With changing lifestyles in recent years, Wei said the increasing incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease has also underscored the need for collaboration with endocrinologists, diabetes and cardiovascular specialists, as well as nephrologists.

He made these remarks during the 34th annual meeting of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, which was held in Beijing from March 26 to 30 and co-hosted by the association and the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control.

Themed "Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Elimination & Cure," the event attracted over 6,000 doctors, researchers, public health specialists, and participants from 54 countries and regions.