WORLD LIVER DAY-2023

Date: 18-04-2023

Every year, 19th April is commemorated as World Liver Day to spread awareness about liver diseases among general public.
As per WHO current report, about 20 lakh people die yearly due to liver diseases globally, of which cirrhosis-related causes account for half of the deaths and rest are caused by viral hepatitis and liver cancer.
Cirrhosis and liver cancer together account for 3.5% of the total fatalities worldwide whereas cirrhosis is currently the 11th largest cause and liver cancer is the 16th major cause of deaths.
The global alcoholic consumer population is appximately about 200 crores of which 7.5 – 10 crores are at risk of alcohol related liver diseases.
In addition, about 200 crores adults are obese and overweight, 40 crores are diabetic which are considered as the potential risks factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancers.
Incidences of drug-induced liver injuries are also becoming leading cause of acute hepatitis.
The spike in number of liver related problems is mainly due to lack of awareness regarding disease seriousness, associated risk factors and prevention.
Therefore, this year WHO has given theme “Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Up, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone” for the WORLD LIVER DAY – 2023 because majority of individuals are unaware that non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases can be avoided with basic lifestyle changes.
In this regard, the department of Life Sciences, Allied Health Sciences and Agriculture Sciences step forwarded and conducted an Awareness Camp on 18th April 2023 in the village Tanuli, dist. Hoshiarpur.
The camp was organized under the aegis of IQAC and Institutional Innovation Cell (IIC) in association with registered NGO Careness and Awareness Welfare Society.
The major objective of the camp was to educate the public about the risk of liver disease and its prevention, including diet and lifestyle modification.
Group of 15 students participated in this camp voluntarily under the leadership of Ms Kamaldeep Kaur, AP (Clinical Biochemistry) dept. of Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences.
The students made the public aware about liver disease symptoms and the importance of early detection, as most liver diseases are asymptomatic.
They also told the villagers that bad lifestyle choices including inactive lifestyle or lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy food over a long period are major causes of liver related problems.
The information was disseminated through charts and posters and by direct communication in local language with the public residing in the village and nearby areas.
In addition, the students also guided them about ways to lose extra liver and body fat by doing regular exercise and avoiding intake of high caloric food such as saturated fats, refined carbohydrates including white bread and sweets etc.
The members of Careness and Awareness Welfare Society made all the necessary arrangements including site selection and assisted us in the overall conduct of the camp.
The Sarpanch of the village highly appreciated the enthusiastic efforts put in by students. Overall, the camp was very fruitful.