April 19 is World Liver Day, a day to raise awareness about the health of our often-overlooked yet vital liver. Liver diseases are a leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, accounting for 27.3 per 1,000 deaths, according to a 2023 study published in the Annals of Hepatology.Experts also warn that 10-20% of Filipinos may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

To share tips on how to take care of our liver, we spoke with Dr. Maria Vanessa H. De Villa, the first surgeon in the country to perform a pediatric liver transplant and the director of The Medical City’s Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation.

Interview by Edg Adrian Eva

Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas