Imperial hosts WHO Europe and EASL to strengthen action on steatotic liver disease

Imperial College London hosted senior leaders from WHO Europe and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) to advance a coordinated European response to steatotic liver disease (SLD).

This collaboration can provide a powerful platform to translate research into meaningful action on steatotic liver disease in Europe. Professor Mark Thursz Head of the Division of Digestive Diseases

The visit, convened by Professor Mark Thursz and Dr Penny Manousou from Imperial’s Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, comes as Imperial’s designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre on SLD enters its final stage, positioning the University as a strategic partner for WHO Europe in translating evidence into policy and delivering real-world impact across the region.

Dr Penny Manousou, Professor of Practice (Metabolic Liver Disease) in the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction and EASL Governing Board (external affairs) elect, said: "By bringing together WHO Europe’s policy leadership, Imperial’s research and implementation expertise, and EASL’s scientific authority and dissemination networks, this tripartite partnership creates a unique opportunity to accelerate coordinated action on steatotic liver disease across Europe."

The collaboration responds to a growing challenge facing major European economies, including the UK, France and Germany, where more than 75% of people living with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe type of SLD, remain undiagnosed. Without urgent action, the prevalence of advanced liver disease is projected to rise by up to 40% by 2030.

The meeting, which included the WHO Europe Regional Director, Dr Hans Kluge, focused on the development of the first Pan-European report on steatotic liver disease, which will map disease prevalence, early detection strategies and models of care, supporting countries to scale their responses to a condition that already costs European health systems an estimated €35 billion each year in direct medical expenses.

Professor Mark Thursz, Head of the Division of Digestive Diseases, said: "This collaboration can provide a powerful platform to translate research into meaningful action on steatotic liver disease in Europe."

The meeting was also attended by Professor Graham Cooke, the Vice-Dean for Research and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.