Expanding public health responses to non-communicable diseases: the NAFLD model of India

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects one in three adults, is a contemporary public health challenge that demands strengthening of health systems worldwide. 1 Lazarus JV Mark HE Allen AM et al. A global action agenda for turning the tide on fatty liver disease. Hepatology. 2023; (published online Aug 4.)https://doi.org/10.1097/HEP.0000000000000545 Google Scholar Although most countries are yet to develop a national strategy for tackling this public health threat, 2 The Lancet Gastroenterology & HepatologyThe lottery of primary care for liver disease. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021; 6: 771 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar India became the first country globally to integrate NAFLD into the national non-communicable disease programme in 2021—a landmark initiative that positioned India at the forefront of the global fight against NAFLD. 3 Sarin SK Prasad M Ramalingam A Kapil U Integration of public health measures for NAFLD into India's national programme for NCDs. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021; 6: 777-778 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar , 4 Lazarus JV Mark HE Villota-Rivas M et al. The global NAFLD policy review and preparedness index: are countries ready to address this silent public health challenge?. J Hepatol. 2022; 76: 771-780 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (81) Google Scholar