Romania enhances national screening program for liver diseases

Romania is taking significant steps to tackle the health challenge posed by liver diseases by expanding its national screening program. Notably, the disease known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now officially included in the national framework dedicated to identifying chronic liver conditions.

The LIVE(RO)3 project is at the forefront of these efforts, aiming to create a robust and uniform framework for the effective implementation of screening programs for chronic liver diseases in Romania. It is estimated that over 40% of Romanians suffer from conditions related to fatty liver, a statistic that reflects a growing global health concern, with 35-38% of the world's population affected.

Under the LIVE(RO)3 initiative, a comprehensive methodology for liver disease screening will be developed and implemented. This will be complemented by training programs for healthcare professionals, with plans to train 800 individuals in this critical area. The project will also establish a modern and secure digital infrastructure for data collection and monitoring.

To ensure collaboration between institutions and healthcare providers, LIVE(RO)3 will set up mechanisms that foster teamwork across various sectors. Additionally, the project will launch informative and educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness among the public about liver health.

The LIVE(RO)3 project is co-funded by the European Union as part of the Health Program, which prioritizes improving the quality of primary, community, and outpatient healthcare services while enhancing preventive services. Key partners in this initiative include the Fundeni Clinical Institute, the 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași, and the National Institute of Public Health.

With Liliana Simona Gheorghe, president of the Romanian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, leading the charge, the project also aims to modernize the Electronic Screening Evidence System (SEES) and develop the national HEPA-LINK network, further solidifying Romania's commitment to addressing liver health challenges.