World Liver Day is annually observed across the globe on 19th April to create awareness about various liver-related diseases and conditions and the importance of the liver which plays a vital role in the human digestive system.
The day also aims to motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Significance of Liver:
i.The liver is the largest solid organ and the largest gland in the human body.
ii.The liver is both an exocrine gland that secretes bile into the gastrointestinal tract and an endocrine gland that synthesizes products that are directly delivered into the bloodstream
iii.The bile excreted by the liver helps to carry away the waste products from the liver All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver.
iv.The liver also regulates most chemical levels in the blood.
Liver related diseases:
i.According to the World Health Organisation(WHO) report (2018), Liver diseases are the 10th most common cause of death among Indians.
ii.The most common causes of liver-related deaths in India are Alcohol, Hepatotropic viruses and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
iii.Diabetes is the second leading reason for liver failure and transplants in India.
iv.Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation (swelling) of the liver. It can be caused due to viral infection or when the liver is exposed to harmful substances such as alcohol.
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program:
i.In 2018, on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (28th July), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program.
ii.This initiative aims to prevent and control viral hepatitis in India to achieve Sustainable Development Goal(SDG).
