Haematologists Seek Government Intervention to Address Haemophilia Crisis
The Nigeria Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, along with the Haemophilia Care team and the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation, has called on the government to address the alarming rate of haemophilia deaths in Nigeria.
Haemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder, affects approximately 11,000 Nigerians, but only 7% have been diagnosed, leaving 93% undiagnosed. The lack of diagnosis and treatment leads to severe disability and early death.
The team, led by the President of the Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof Omolade Awodu of the University of Benin, identified key challenges, including:
– Low priority compared to other diseases
– Inadequate infrastructure and diagnostic equipment
– High cost of replacement therapy
– Total reliance on donated factor concentrates
They requested government intervention in:
– Improving diagnostic capacity
– Procuring factor replacement therapy
– Reducing delays in clearing donated products
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate acknowledged the need to strengthen haemophilia medicine and pledged government commitment to increasing concentrates and prophylaxis practice. He also called for a subsidy drive to alleviate constraints faced by vulnerable members of the public.
Professor Saleh Yuguda who facilitated the meeting thanked the minister and the advocacy groups and reiterated the National Blood Service Commission to utilizing every available opportunities that would improve blood service in Nigeria.
The government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing blood services in Nigeria, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of haemophilia patients.
