An international group of experts has called for a doubling of diagnostic efforts for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by 2027. Millions of people are unknowingly living with this condition, missing the opportunity for early intervention that could prevent severe complications and reduce healthcare costs. The findings were published in *The Lancet Regional Health*.

More than one-third of the global adult population suffers from metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and around 5% develop its more severe form — metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This dangerous liver disease often remains asymptomatic until its late stages, by which time it can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders are particularly at risk.

Researchers emphasized that effective non-invasive diagnostic methods already exist, along with artificial intelligence-based tools that can be used in primary care to identify at-risk patients. A new treatment for MASH has also been approved recently — but without timely diagnosis, patients will not be able to benefit from it.

The experts are urging the implementation of routine screening for high-risk groups, the inclusion of liver tests in annual check-ups, a revision of insurance reimbursement policies, and stronger collaboration among general practitioners, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and patient advocacy groups.

“The future of MASH management lies in prevention, not just treatment. We must identify patients in the early stages, when outcomes can still be improved,” said Professor Jeffrey Lazarus, the study’s lead author.

Lazarus and his colleagues recommend a comprehensive strategy that includes establishing a disease registry, improving physician training, implementing automated diagnostics in primary care, and expanding community-level support services.

Chronic liver diseases are still excluded from global non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies. With less than four months remaining before the upcoming UN meeting on NCDs, the researchers urged the global health community not to miss this opportunity — and to place liver disease firmly on the international health agenda.