EASL Supports MEPs' Commitment To Make Chronic Diseases A European Health Priority

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) reinforces its commitment to raising chronic diseases on the European health agenda, particularly as they have a considerable implication on liver conditions.



Mark Thursz, Vice-Secretary of EASL and member of the Chronic Disease Alliance commented: "Alcohol consumption is a growing concern and a major health determinant accounting for an increasing number of chronic disease and death in Europe. As liver specialists, it is frustrating when we see patients in late phases of their disease, when many of them have already developed complications as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. EASL would like to see a ban on the marketing and promotion of alcohol . Educational programmes to reinforce awareness of the problems created by excessive alcohol to promote responsible drinking are very much in need along with more investment into the research and treatment into alcoholic liver disease."



"The consumption of alcohol and the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease are sensitive to price. Harmful use of alcohol can therefore be influenced by the implementation of rational healthcare policies and taxation. We are looking forward to the EU Health Commissioner's recommendation on actions to support public health strategies and to curb the health economic burden linked to chronic conditions, such as the harmful use of alcohol", added Mark Thursz.



Alcoholic liver disease is a result of regular and heavy drinking and is the leading cause of liver disease in most Western countries1. In Europe, alcohol consumption and the disease burden from alcohol are twice that of the world average and, in the UK, alcoholic cirrhosis is the most common reason why people require a liver transplant2.



For further details please find attached the press release related to the MEP Chronic Disease Meeting held today.



References:


1. Alcohol policy in the WHO European Region: current status and the way forward. Available here accessed October 2010


2. Fighting Liver Disease. The British Liver Trust. Available here accessed October 2010


Source:

European Association for the Study of the Liver