key: cord-0954185-ymis19z9
authors: Lazarus, Jeffrey V.; Negro, Francesco; El‐Sayed, Manal; Colombo, Massimo
title: A letter of solidarity during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
date: 2020-06-11
journal: Liver Int
DOI: 10.1111/liv.14570
sha: 73de8cd0d4e8661925de2c868d33a13345d24718
doc_id: 954185
cord_uid: ymis19z9

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a substantial impact on the lives of most of the worlds’ population. We are aware that for liver disease patients this has been especially concerning. The editorial from Sun and colleagues [1] provides an overview of the major challenges facing liver specialists as they strive to deliver essential services, and highlights some of the critical research gaps around COVID‐19 and liver disease.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a substantial impact on the lives of most of the worlds' population. We are aware that for liver disease patients this has been especially concerning. The editorial from Sun and colleagues [1] provides an overview of the major challenges facing liver specialists as they strive to deliver essential services, and highlights some of the critical research gaps around COVID-19 and liver disease. We fully agree with the concerns and priorities set out by the authors and further urge the liver health community to bring public health to the fore, both in the ongoing emergency response and the longer-term recovery period.

There is specific concern for patients with chronic liver diseases during the pandemic. The It is increasingly clear that overcoming this pandemic will be a protracted challenge.

Governments will look to transition from emergency action to long-term policy responses that balance public health with economic and social considerations. During this time the liver health community cannot lose sight of the importance of our long-term public health goals. For example, many countries are off course to achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination target [3] and must urgently redouble efforts.

Due to the pandemic, politicians and the general public are now acutely aware of the importance of public health. We must leverage this opportunity to position public health and the pandemic preparedness it encompasses as the pathway to healthier, safer and more prosperous societies. This must go beyond the immediate efforts to tackle COVID-19 to holistically address liver health, including viral hepatitis elimination and the major public health challenges of the 21 st century, non-communicable diseases, including NAFLD/NASH. [4] Accepted Article This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved Of central importance, as we move forward, the EASL International Liver Foundation urges that services better reach the most vulnerable in society. In 2020 and beyond we will continue to work with our partners to make this a reality.

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