Background and Aim Liver disease refers to a set of pathologies resulting from the interruption of liver function or the poor functioning of the liver. The estimation of morbidity and mortality due to liver disease and the context in which the disease develops are determining factors for public policies related to liver disease and its causes. The primary etiologies are cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are directly related to hepatitis B and C virus and alcohol consumption. Followed by hepatotoxic drug use, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic diseases, genetic abnormalities, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of liver disease in Colombia between 2009 and 2016. Using the Data Warehouse–Cube of SISPRO as the primary source of the data, prevalence proportions were calculated and adjusted according to the Bennett Horiuchi method. The relationship with alcohol consumption and the index of unsatisfied basic needs based on estimates from 2005 were considered as sociodemographic variables. Results The prevalence of liver disease differs with regard to the type of illness, sex and age of the patient, access to medical attention, and geographical location. Conclusions As liver disease is a public health problem, it requires early intervention such as raising awareness and prevention strategies, along with postdiagnosis care channels for treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation. By implementing these strategies, public health will be positively impacted, health care resources will be optimized, and more productive years of life are available for the citizens of the country.

FRAGMENTO De acuerdo con la Ley 71 de 1890 y la Ley 2 de 1979, la Academia Nacional de Medicina es consultora del gobierno nacional en salud pública y educación médica. Y, de acuerdo con su reglamento, la Academia cuenta con 12 comisiones que asesoran a la Junta Directiva en lo correspondiente a los temas que le han sido asignados a cada una. La comisión de Educación Médica y Talento Humano en Salud -por ejemplo- debe estudiar, analizar y evaluar el estado de la educación médica en el país y propender por su calidad y desarrollo, así como evaluar las condiciones y necesidades del talento humano en salud; la de Ética Médica estudia los asuntos que sobre la materia se presenten a consideración de la Academia y las que por su propia iniciativa deban ser sometidas a análisis por la Institución. La de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación en Salud debe proponer, promover, asesorar e incluso desarrollar, en los casos que se requiera, proyectos de investigación en salud. La comisión de Salud tiene a su cargo responder las consultas que los poderes ejecutivo, legislativo y judicial, y los particulares, formulen a la Academia; generar espacios de diálogo y discusión para iniciativas de proyectos de ley y de reformas para el sector salud. En su mayoría, las comisiones abordan temas que trascienden al nivel nacional.

Fragmento. La Academia Nacional de Medicina de Colombia fue establecida por la Ley 71 de 1890 que en su artículo primero Reconoce la Sociedad de Ciencias Médicas y Naturales creada el 2 de enero de 1872 como Academia de Medicina Nacional. Es órgano consultor del Gobierno Nacional en temas de educación médica y salud del pueblo colombiano. Es indiscutible que la generación de conocimiento, que se realiza mediante la rigurosa aplicación del método científico universalmente aceptado, es la que ha generado el verdadero avance de la humanidad. A medida que se ha desarrollado tecnología gracias a la generación de conocimiento ella contribuye a que la investigación científica se realice con mayor validez y precisión.

Background Urban malaria is a public health problem in Colombia and there is still lack of knowledge about its epidemiological characteristics, which are key to the implementation of control measures. The presence of urban malaria cases and disease diagnosis are some of the challenges faced by malaria elimination programs. The objective of this research was to estimate malaria prevalence, explore associated factors and detect pfhrp 2/3 genes, in the urban area of Tumaco between July and December 2019. Methods A prevalence study was conducted by using a stratified random probability sample. Structured surveys were administered and blood samples were taken and examined through optical microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A logistic regression model was used to explore associated factors. Results 1,504 people living in 526 households were surveyed. The overall prevalence was 2.97% (95% CI: 2.1 - 4.3%). It was higher in males, in the 10-19 age group and in asymptomatic cases. The prevalence of pfhrp2 amplification was 2.16% (95% CI: 1.6 - 2.9%). Households with three or more people had a higher risk of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 4.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-10.43). All cases were due to P. falciparum. Conclusions The prevalence of urban malaria was low. Strategies to eliminate malaria in urban areas should be adjusted considering access to early diagnosis, asymptomatic infection, and the RDTs used to detect the presence of the pfhrp2 gene.