In 2020, Global Liver Institute (GLI) observed increases in the prevalence of liver diseases and mortality associated with it. These developments are established trends which GLI seeks to reverse. These trends, however, were accelerated directly and indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the continued rise of health disparities. Both of these crises severely impacted access to care and increased the possibility of severe negative health outcomes from liver disease.

Global Liver Institute (GLI) applauds the leadership of Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in introducing the COVID-19 Prevention and Awareness Act (CPAA). The current COVID-19 pandemic is putting unprecedented pressure on our nation’s health care system, including by disproportionately impacting people with certain underlying medical conditions like liver disease and leading to stark disparities in health outcomes by race. The CPAA would play an integral role in empowering the communities that have been hit hardest with the means to protect their health and well-being amid a global crisis.