Join us for the inauguration of the WHO–³Ô¹ÏÍø–EASL Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) Collaborating Centre.
This inauguration comes at a truly pivotal moment in global health. For the first time, Steatotic Liver Disease has been formally recognised and included in the global Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) agenda—a major achievement that establishes liver disease as a global public health priority. The launch of this Collaborating Centre directly follows this historic milestone, marking the transition from political commitment to institutional action, and from resolution to implementation. The Centre will serve as a key vehicle for translating this momentum into tangible and measurable impact for patients and populations worldwide.
The inauguration will bring together an exceptional group of public health leaders, hepatology experts, policy-makers, WHO leadership and patient advocacy organisations.
Programme
10.15am – Arrival and refreshments
11.00am – Welcome and introduction to the WHO Collaborating Centre
Professor Mark Thursz, Co-Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Steatotic Liver Diseases
11.05am – The European Programme of Work 2026–2040: Integrating NCD strategies across Europe and beyond
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
11.10am – Public health measures to counter the threat of liver disease – from viral hepatitis to SLD
H.E. Professor Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, Egypt
11.20am – NHS England initiatives to reduce the burden of liver disease
Dr Richard Aspinall, Clinical Lead, NHS England Liver Transformation Programme
11.30am – Championing the patient perspective (subject to confirmation)
Ms Pamela Healy, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust
11.40am – Science for Humanity: Aligning ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s strategy with WHO objectives
Professor Peter Haynes, Provost, ³Ô¹ÏÍø
11.50am – Centre overview: Work packages and deliverables
Professor Pinelopi Manousou, Co-Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Steatotic Liver Diseases
11.55am – Panel Discussion
Chair: Professor Debbie Shawcross
Secretary General, European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
Panellists:
- Professor Sven Francque, University of Antwerp
- Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, University of Liverpool
- Ms Alex Severns, NHS Transformation Programme for Liver Disease
- Professor Emmanouil Tsochatzis, University College London
- Professor David Wingfield, GP, North West London
- Ms Nazneen Worster, Patient Representative
12.25pm – Closing remarks
Professor Mark Thursz, Co-Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Steatotic Liver Diseases