During a virtual media round table organized by Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation on Thursday to commemorate the World Hemophilia Day, experts in the healthcare system have called for increased public awareness of hemophilia disease as a way of preventing and controlling the bleeding disorder. Today, being April 17, marks this year’s annual World Hemophilia Day (WHD) with the theme “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”.
The annual WHD is observed to convey a call to action for governments to broaden the availability of treatment and care for persons with bleeding disorders, with a particular focus on improved bleed management and prevention. Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of one or more of the blood clotting components. According to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), more than 38,000 persons in the globe were living with hemophilia B in 2021.
Even minor injuries may be fatal for those with hemophilia.
Similarly, Professor Sulaimon Akanmu of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba has made a similar call for improved patient access to hemophilia treatment. He explained that males are more likely to develop hemophilia because of maternal X-chromosome passed down directly from the mother. Even minor injuries may be fatal for those with hemophilia due to the possibility of excessive and repeated bleeding. In addition, he noted, persons with severe hemophilia often bleed spontaneously into their muscles or joints, or very infrequently into other vital tight areas like the intracranial region, where bleeding may be life-threatening.
According to the Hematology Professor, both the general public and medical professionals have a poor understanding of hemophilia and its symptoms. Due to this, hemophilia is underdiagnosed in the nation. He believes there’s a lot more work to be done to raise public awareness of hemophilia given that so many male youths are being lost to the disease. A case of Hemophilia might be suspected when there is prolonged bleeding or delayed wound closure after an umbilical cord is cut.
People with hemophilia B have a substantial burden to bear.
Conversely, he noted that the Hemophilia Federation of Nigeria is actively working to enlighten pregnant women and medical professionals about hemophilia and its early symptoms. Dr. Vivian Painstil, a senior specialist pediatrician at Ghana’s Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, claimed that hemophilia may be difficult to manage, nevertheless those who have it can lead relatively normal lives so long as they take particular measures to avoid and control bleeding. People with hemophilia B have a substantial burden to bear and many have regular infusions or injections, which might limit their capacity to take part in normal everyday activities.
She further advocated for a better synergy of efforts to advance hemophilia diagnosis, accessibility of care, social support, and public understanding. In addition, Pfizer’s Medical Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Kodjo Soroh, emphasized the company’s commitment to making those affected by hemophilia are cared for and feel loved. Mr. Soroh continued, saying that Pfizer will keep pushing to improve the lives of those with hemophilia by discovering innovative treatments. He asserts that this year’s WHD theme, Access For All: Prevention of Bleeds, aligns with Pfizer’s efforts to advance diagnosis for hemophilia and overcome gaps in access to care.
Pfizer committed to developing diagnosis for hematological disorders.
The corporation’s over 30 years of experience depict its commitment to equity and continued investment in hemophilia. During these years, Pfizer has been committed to developing therapies for hematological disorders as it has a deep understanding of the significant challenges that people living with the disease continually face. Mr. Soroh reiterated that Pfizer would continue to amplify and commend the effort of the global hemophilia community as it created awareness on the need for innovation in access to hemophilia treatments.
Related Link
WHF: Website
Experts call for Hemophilia Disease awareness – More than 38,000 persons were living with hemophilia B in 2021. – Express your point of view.
Hemophilia disease is a really serious problem. It is spreading across the country. I hope we will be able to raise awareness about how the disease is caused , how it spread and how we can curtail and prevent it as soon as possible.
Hemophilia Disease is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical care and support. By raising awareness of the condition, we can promote early diagnosis, improve access to specialized care, and promote greater understanding and support for those affected by hemophilia.
Experts call for Hemophilia Disease awareness. Many people don’t even know if there is any disease called hemophilia. I think more awareness should be created through different mediums, so that people will know about this disease
Hemophilia Disease is a serious disease that need attention creating awareness about the disease so people can know about it and how are to prevent it
The severity of haemophilia disease cannot be overstated. The problem is now widespread in the nation. As soon as possible, I hope we can get the word out about what causes this disease, how it spreads, and what we can do to stop it in its tracks.
If the government were to provide access to medical attention and treatment for those with bleeding problems, we might be able to stop the spread of this deadly disease.
The international haemophilia community deserves praise for raising public awareness about the importance of new approaches to treating the disease.
We could be able to stem the development of this terrible disease if the government guaranteed access to medical care for persons with bleeding difficulties.
Given the high number of young male lives that are being cut short by haemophilia, there is a great deal of additional effort that has to be done to increase public awareness of the condition.
Hemophilia disease is known to be a genetic disorder, a chromosomal aberration which lead to uncontrollable bleeding. Thus, If experts in the healthcare system have called for increased public awareness of hemophilia disease as a way of controlling and preventing it and the accessibility to treatment, then let the awareness about it should be intensify.
The identification of Hemophilia Disease which is a genetic aberration that causes bleeding as a major threat to more than 38,000 persons globally calls for massive awareness creation.The danger about this disease is that the general public and medical professionals have a poor understanding of hemophilia and its symptoms. Just like Professor Sulaimon Akanmu of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as suggested that patient with Hemophilia Disease should be given easy access to treatment. This will reduce the rate of casuality.
Since hemophilia disorder can been contril,the expert in the health sector should do more work to find the final solution to the disease and more awareness and enlightenment should be done by the right authority so as reduce it to the bearest minimum.