The Cyprus Association of Liver Patients “Promitheas” launched a new information campaign on Friday, focusing on the risks and prevention of fatty liver disease. According to the association, approximately 25 per cent of adults worldwide over the age of 20 suffer from fatty liver disease, a figure expected to rise due to the growing “obesity epidemic.”

The issue is also prevalent among children, with 5-10 per cent of those diagnosed with obesity showing signs of fatty liver disease. Alarmingly, 38 per cent of obese children already exhibit indications of liver damage.

Former Health Minister and MEP Michalis Hadjipantela, speaking at the campaign launch, stressed the dangers of fatty liver disease, describing it as a “silent disease” that often progresses without noticeable symptoms. He emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and prevention to mitigate the risks.

A statement by “Promitheas” echoed these warnings, noting that while patients may remain asymptomatic, the disease can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight as key preventive measures.

Hadjipantela also highlighted the critical role of screening programmes in identifying the disease early and enabling timely treatment.

Current Health Minister Michael Damianos affirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for liver disease patients. “I assure you that both the ministry of health and I will persist in upgrading healthcare services for our citizens,” he said.

Damianos added that the first doctor from state health services organisation (Okypy) will go to receive a one-year specialisation in transplant hepatology at the University Clinic in Tübingen in Germany.

He added that this was part of a strategic agreement “of great importance for Cyprus and healthcare in our country” signed in November last year.

Hepatologists, specialists in liver diseases, differentiate between alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While NAFLD involves the fatty degeneration of liver cells, it is generally considered less likely to cause severe liver damage compared to ALD.