The global shortage of organs for transplantation is recognized as a major challenge for public health, and the World Health Organization estimates that less than 10% of the global organ transplantation need is met. The liver is the second most commonly transplanted solid organ, and a system for organ allocation that ensures equitable distribution continues to be an unmet medical need for patients with cirrhosis, and particularly those who progress into acute-on-chronic liver failure. Importantly, precipitating events associated with short-term mortality among acute-on-chronic liver failure patients are not reflected in the conventional prognostic models for organ allocation falling short in prioritizing most severe patients with decompensated cirrhosis for liver transplantation.

The alarming increase in obesity rates, alcohol consumption, and an aging population mean that liver disease will become an even greater global health concern over the next decade. Experts agree that the major causes of liver disease (i.e., alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis) are amenable to prevention and treatment providing an opportunity to reduce the burden of liver disease and save lives. There is an urgent need to engage with policymakers and health authorities to invest in preventive actions and surveillance as regards chronic liver disease.

The European Foundation for the Study of Chornic Liver Failure is focused on supporting and engaging with all types of stakeholders whether they are working to advance fundamental knowledge, improve treatment, develop new technologies or contribute to guideline implementation for better health of patients with chronic liver disease.