Advanced Advocacy Academy aims to transform liver care

14 March 2025 - Patients and specialists will gather at King’s for the first ever UK event

This month, a global community of liver patients, researchers and healthcare professionals will come together for the UK‘s first Advanced Advocacy Academy. The event, held at King’s College Hospital, brings together 150 attendees, including people living with liver disease and professionals working to improve patient care.

The Advanced Advocacy Academy is an annual initiative launched by the Global Liver Institute to support patients, caregivers and other interested parties to develop their advocacy skills.

During the two day event, running from 14 – 15 March 2025, delegates will hear from a number of patient advocates, including 64-year-old Claire Martin, who has Hepatitis B (HBV) and has been a King’s patient since 1985. She explained: “It was so frightening to discover I had HBV when I was 18 years old. At the time, there was a huge lack of public understanding about the virus, but over the years, research has helped transform my treatment, and I don’t think I would be here today without those advancements in my care.

“I passionately believe that HBV research is the only way we will find better ways to treat this global healthcare problem, and help millions of people all over the world have an improved quality of life. It is a privilege to be part of the UK’s first Advanced Advocacy Academy, and share a few of my experiences as a King’s patient, as a research participant, and as a proud member of the LIVFIT patient support group. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn, share knowledge, and inspire one other.”

Dr Saima Ajaz, Specialist Hepatologist at King’s College Hospital and one of the course directors, added: “This international event is a learning experience that provides training and advocacy opportunities for people like Claire who share a passion for improving liver health. During the two days, attendees will take part in interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities, all with the aim of empowering people to become advocates and champion better care for liver patients.”

For more information about the Advanced Advocacy Academy, visit:  https://globalliver.org/advanced-advocacy-academy/