The Little Liver Champions Coalition (LLCC) is a growing movement dedicated to transforming paediatric liver care through awareness, education, advocacy, and collaboration.
While LLCC first made a public statement on 18 July 2025, the organisation has officially launched on 15 May 2026 marking the next phase of national and global impact.
Founded by leading healthcare professionals — Prof. Christina Hajinicolaou, Dr. Priya Walabh, and RN Anja Meyer LLCC represents a united response to one of the most urgent yet often overlooked healthcare challenges affecting children today.
From Awareness to Action
LLCC was born from the success of the 2023 Biliary Atresia Awareness Campaign, a grassroots initiative that demonstrated how community education and targeted outreach can significantly improve early diagnosis and awareness of life-threatening paediatric liver conditions.
The July 2025 public statement marked the beginning of this journey raising awareness, building partnerships, and laying the foundation for meaningful change.
Now, with the official launch we had in May 2026, LLCC is stepping forward with a strengthened strategy, expanded reach, and a clear commitment to transforming paediatric liver care at scale.
The Urgent Need for Change
Liver disease is a global health crisis, responsible for approximately two million deaths annually.
In South Africa, children face significant challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and care due to:
- Delayed referrals
- Limited specialised training
- Lack of awareness, particularly in rural communities
- Gaps in coordinated healthcare systems
Families are often left to navigate complex healthcare journeys alone facing emotional, financial, and logistical strain, with critical interventions frequently coming too late.
LLCC exists to change this story.
A Vision for Equitable, Compassionate Care
At its core, LLCC is driven by a powerful mission:
to ensure that every child has access to timely, quality liver care regardless of their background or location.
To achieve this, LLCC is built on a five-pillar strategy:
- Awareness & Early Diagnosis
Strengthening national awareness and referral pathways for earlier detection. - Training & Education
Equipping healthcare professionals and communities with the knowledge to act sooner. - Advocacy
Championing equitable access to specialised paediatric liver care. - Family Support
Providing emotional, social, and practical support to families navigating liver disease. - Global Collaboration
Driving partnerships in research, innovation, and care delivery.
Meet the Founding Team
Prof. Christina Hajinicolaou
A pioneer in paediatric gastroenterology in South Africa, Prof. Hajinicolaou has dedicated decades to advancing training, research, and patient care, shaping national programmes and improving outcomes for children across the country.
Dr. Priya Walabh
A leading paediatric hepatology specialist and President of the South African Transplantation Society, Dr. Walabh plays a critical role in improving access to liver care and addressing disparities in transplantation services.
RN Anja Meyer
A healthcare systems strategist and transplant coordination specialist, Anja Meyer brings extensive experience in building collaborative healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes. With a strong background in coordinating complex clinical pathways and working across multidisciplinary teams, she focuses on strengthening systems that ensure equitable, dignified care for every child.
Grounded in the principle of Ubuntu “I am because we are”, Anja is passionate about fostering connection, compassion, and sustainable impact across healthcare environments. She is deeply committed to creating solutions that support both patients and families through some of their most challenging journeys.
Join Us for the Official Launch 15 May 2026
The official launch of LLCC marks a defining moment moving from awareness to action.
We invite individuals, organisations, healthcare professionals, and partners to be part of this milestone and contribute to a future where no child is left behind.
You can get involved by:
- Partnering with LLCC
- Donating funding or resources
- Volunteering your expertise
- Raising awareness within your networks
As Anja Meyer shares:
“We’re building a legacy of life and equity. Join us in being a voice for those too small to be heard.”
A Movement of Hope
The Little Liver Champions Coalition is more than an organisation it is a movement of hope, action, and transformation.
15 May 2026 is not just a launch. It is the beginning of lasting change.
