A letter of solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a substantial impact on the lives of most of the worlds’ population. We are aware that for liver disease patients this has been especially concerning. The editorial from Sun et al provides an overview of the major challenges facing liver specialists as they strive to deliver essential services and highlights some of the critical research gaps around COVID‐19 and liver disease. We fully agree with the concerns and priorities set out by the authors and further urge the liver health community to bring public health to the fore, both in the ongoing emergency response and the longer‐term recovery period.

There is specific concern for patients with chronic liver diseases during the pandemic. The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) have issued a joint position paper for clinicians caring for patients with liver disease, including practical recommendations for ensuring continuity of care, such as the use of telemedicine. While care should continue in line with guidance, there are major access barriers for those with chronic conditions such as hepatitis B and C because of confinement regulations and the closure of outreach services.

It is increasingly clear that overcoming this pandemic will be a protracted challenge. Governments will look to transition from emergency action to long‐term policy responses that balance public health with economic and social considerations. During this time, the liver health community cannot lose sight of the importance of our long‐term public health goals. For example, many countries are off course to achieve the World Health Organization's 2030 viral hepatitis elimination targets and must urgently redouble efforts.

Because of the pandemic, politicians and the general public are now acutely aware of the importance of public health. We must leverage this opportunity to position public health and the pandemic preparedness it encompasses as the pathway to healthier, safer and more prosperous societies. This must go beyond the immediate efforts to tackle COVID‐19 to holistically address liver health, including viral hepatitis elimination and the major public health challenges of the 21st century: non‐communicable diseases, including NAFLD/NASH.

Of central importance, as we move forward, the EASL International Liver Foundation urges that services better reach the most vulnerable in society. In 2020 and beyond, we will continue to work with our partners to make this a reality.