The Nigeria Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, along with the Haemophilia Care team and Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation, have urged the government to tackle the issue of haemophilia-related fatalities in Nigeria.
This appeal was made during a visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate in Abuja.
Haemophilia, an inherited bleeding disorder, impacts around 11,000 individuals in Nigeria, yet just seven percent have received a diagnosis. This leaves 93 percent undiagnosed, resulting in severe disability and premature death.
The team, led by NSHBT President Prof. Omolade Awodu, highlighted key obstacles such as low prioritization, insufficient medical infrastructure and equipment, as well as the high cost of replacement therapy leading to these deaths.
Awodu emphasized the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic capabilities, procurement of factor replacement therapy, and streamlined processes for acquiring donated products.
These steps would enhance access to haemophilia diagnosis and treatment.
In response, Pate recognized the necessity to bolster haemophilia care and assured the government’s dedication to expanding access to treatment options.
He underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing blood services in Nigeria and called for measures like subsidies to ease challenges faced by vulnerable groups.
Additionally, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, conveyed gratitude for the minister’s and advocacy groups’ dedication to addressing the plight of individuals suffering from hemophilia.
He reiterated the commission’s resolve to enhance the provision of safe and quality blood services in Nigeria.
