Addressing MASLD in Australia: Collaboration Beyond Technology
On Friday, 25 October, Louise Campbell and Tawazun Health joined over 60 distinguished leaders in healthcare, industry, patient advocacy and consumer groups at the National MASLD Symposium in Melbourne. Hosted by LiverWell and its CEO Elaine Montegriffo, this exclusive think tank tackled the critical question: “What will it take to elevate Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) as a public health priority in Australia?”
The event was a milestone for MASLD advocacy in Australia, focusing not on specific technologies but on strategies to ensure MASLD is recognised, diagnosed and managed at a national scale.
Global Perspectives Driving Local Action
A highlight of the day was the keynote session by international liver health expert Professor Jeff Lazarus. , who joined live from New York. His presentation outlined six priority domains for MASLD action, providing a springboard for translating these insights into Australia’s unique healthcare context. Participants delved into the implications of MASLD in Australia, where the condition affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults, contributing to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as liver cancer.
Australia’s MASLD Challenge: Bridging Gaps in Policy and Access
MASLD remains underdiagnosed and insufficiently addressed in Australian healthcare. Discussions highlighted significant barriers, including the lack of Medicare-funded access to advanced diagnostic tools such as FibroScan®. This non-invasive technology has revolutionised liver health management globally by detecting individuals at risk of liver disease before symptoms appear. Yet, in Australia, its utility is limited by policy constraints, restricting access to those most in need.
Louise Campbell shared insights from Tawazun Health’s international work, illustrating how FibroScan® has been integrated into healthcare systems like the UK’s NHS. There, NICE approval has brought this tool into primary care, enabling earlier intervention and better outcomes. The discussions highlighted the urgency of creating similar pathways in Australia to combat the underdiagnosis of MASLD.
Beyond FibroScan®: A Collaborative Vision for Public Health
While technology like FibroScan® is vital, the day’s discussions made it clear that the symposium’s goal extended far beyond any single solution. The focus was on fostering collaboration among healthcare leaders, policymakers and advocacy groups to drive systemic change. Participants examined the broader societal impacts of MASLD, including its effects on workforce productivity and the economic burden of chronic diseases.
The symposium also explored opportunities to develop Australian guidelines to address MASLD more comprehensively, ensuring that the condition is not only recognised but also preventable and manageable with equitable access to care.
A Shared Commitment to Progress
The National MASLD Symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to elevating MASLD on Australia’s health agenda. LiverWell will now synthesise these discussions into actionable recommendations aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and public awareness.
Louise Campbell and Tawazun Health are honoured to contribute their global expertise to these discussions. Events like this are crucial in uniting stakeholders behind a shared vision for better liver health outcomes.
Join the Conversation
MASLD represents one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. By combining innovation, collaboration and advocacy, we can drive meaningful change in how Australia addresses liver health.
If your organisation is interested in advancing MASLD detection and care, or if you’d like to learn more about non-invasive technologies like FibroScan®, please contact Tawazun Health today. Together, we can shape a healthier future for all Australians.
This revision integrates the client’s feedback by shifting the focus from FibroScan® to broader MASLD advocacy while maintaining the integrity of the original content. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!