Unlocking Hope: Launch of the Biliary Atresia Awareness Campaign
- Faculty Communications
An Initiative Bridging Awareness, Support, and Advancements in Paediatric Liver Disease Management
The Biliary Atresia Awareness Committee under the auspices of Gauteng Provincial Solid Organ Transplant Division and the University of the Witwatersrand is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking Biliary Atresia Awareness Campaign, aimed at raising awareness and support for children affected by this rare and life-threatening liver disease. This initiative is part of our advocacy and commitment to community health and is to be launched nationally.
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare paediatric liver disease that affects infants, leading to the blockage or absence of bile ducts. Without early diagnosis and surgical intervention, it can result in severe liver damage and the need for a liver transplant, a scarce resource in our country. Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.
Biliary Atresia (BA) compromises infants by obstructing or obliterating bile ducts, leading to potentially severe liver damage without expedited diagnosis and intervention. The campaign, underpinned by a collective of healthcare professionals and coordinators from various health divisions, commits to:
- Raising Awareness: Educating diverse demographics about BA.
- Supporting Families: Offering resources and empathetic support.
- Advancing Research: Accentuating the progression of diagnostic tools and innovative treatments.
- Fostering Collaboration: Collaborating with medical entities globally.
We rally healthcare professionals and communities to converge in efforts towards the early detection and adept management of BA, ensuring a more promising future for our children,” states Dr Christina Hajinicolaou, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Head of Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology at Wits University.
Campaign Launch:
The official BA Awareness Poster launch event will take place on 16 October 2023 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The event will feature talks from experts in the field, personal stories from affected families, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
How to get involved:
- Share campaign materials and information on social media using the hashtag #BiliaryAtresiaAwarenessSA.
- Attend awareness events and webinars
For more information about the Biliary Atresia Awareness Campaign and how you can get involved, please visit biliaryatresia.sa@gmail.com.
About the BA Awareness Committee:
The Biliary Atresia Awareness Committee, rooted in a commitment to community health, strives to enhance awareness, support, and research pertaining to Biliary Atresia. Partnering with medical divisions and educational institutions, the committee endeavours to forge a future where every child has a fighting chance against BA.
“Unlocking Hope Together We can Cope”