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NLF( National Liver Foundation) is
a voluntary, non-profit organization promoting awareness
and prevention of liver diseases. It offers help,
information, and supports to those suffering from
liver disease and their families. In addition, NLF
reaches out to support programmes involving diagnosis,
prevention and treatment of liver- related diseases.
It is estimated that liver diseases
are among the top ten killer diseases in India, causing
lakhs of deaths every year. Besides, there are those
who suffer from chronic liver problems, needing recurrent
hospitalization and prolonged medical attention, which
leaves them physically, mentally, emotionally and
financially devastated.
On the other hand there are millions
of cases of hepatic diseases, which go unreported
or are reported when the matters have gone out of
hand. Utter poverty coupled with lack of education
and awareness, prevent people from seeking medical
advice until it is too late. In addition, high cost
of treatment pose as major obstacle in convincing
people about taking treatment.
Studies have indicated that some
liver related diseases like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis
C virus could burgeon into an epidemic much larger
in scale than the dreaded HIV. However, these diseases
being silent killers with long gestation periods do
not attract the attention of the Government or the
other influential bodies. The needs of patients with
liver- related disease have been grossly underestimated
and largely ignored. Committed to address these issues,
the NLF (National Liver Foundation) was established
in 1999, thorough the consorted and co-operative efforts
of philanthropists.
Since its inception
NLF has attempted to spread awareness about preventable
hepatic diseases and reaching out to people suffering
from chronic or advanced diseases through:
 Various
educational and training programmes including seminars,
Patient
support groups
Mobilizing
funds for providing treatment to patients at considerably
subsidized rates
Campaigns
for promoting organ donation and other activities.
Vaccinate Hepatitis B vaccine to all medical students and para-medical entrants.
However it will be a long time before
there efforts will significant results are yet to
be seen in bringing down the incidence of liver diseases.
With India’s large population growing every
minute the task seems humungous. Encouraging individuals
to participate in their own preventive health- care
can prevent many serious diseases. Proper information
and care can help reverse the ill- effects of neglect
and ignorance in many cases. NLF has taken the first
step. Your support can help us make lasting change
in the lives of millions. Join hands with NLF in this
fight to make India free of liver diseases.
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