Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Apr 18, 2026 (BSS) - The World Liver Day will be observed tomorrow to raise awareness about liver-related diseases and promote preventive care. 

This year’s theme is "Solid Habits, Strong Liver.” The World Liver Day is observed annually on April 19. The theme is emphasizing that small, consistent lifestyle changes—such as balanced eating, active habits, reduced alcohol, and regular check-ups—can prevent serious diseases like MASLD and cirrhosis. 

The liver is the second-largest organ in the human body after the skin and one of the most complex organs after the brain. It plays a vital role in maintaining overall health by regulating immunity, digestion, metabolism, nutrient storage, and detoxification processes. 

It also helps remove toxins and medicines from the bloodstream and protects the body by eliminating harmful pathogens.

Health experts emphasize that maintaining liver health is essential for a healthy life. The main objective of World Liver Day is to promote awareness, encourage preventive measures, and support initiatives that help reduce liver-related diseases worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 million people die globally every year due to liver diseases. Major causes include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis B and C. 

In addition, fatty liver disease is rapidly increasing across the world, including in Bangladesh, where approximately one in every three people is affected.

Dr. A.B.M. Shakil Gani, Associate Professor and Head of the Hepatology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said that fatty liver has now become the most common liver disorder globally. 

He noted that both in Bangladesh and worldwide, around one in three people are affected by the condition. Alarmingly, even individuals with normal or low body weight are not exempt, with nearly one in five such people in Bangladesh potentially having fatty liver disease.

He further warned that while hepatitis B currently accounts for around 66% of liver cancer cases in Bangladesh, fatty liver disease is projected to become the leading cause of liver cancer globally by 2050.

To mark World Liver Day, the Hepatology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital will organize a rally at 10am tomorrow, starting from the Milon Chattar area of the hospital.

Health professionals have urged people to adopt healthy lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular exercise, and avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption, to protect liver health and reduce the growing burden of liver diseases worldwide.