The Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, in collaboration with the Haemophilia Care team and the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation, has urged the government to take immediate action to address the alarming rate of haemophilia-related deaths in Nigeria.
The group made the call during a visit to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The team, led by Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion President Omolade Awodu, described haemophilia as a genetic bleeding disorder and noted that only seven percent of cases have been diagnosed in the country, leaving 93 percent undiagnosed and untreated.
President of the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Omolade Awodu[PHOTO CREDIT @nshbt.org.ng]
The official said the lack of care has systematically led to severe disabilities and premature death for many.
Challenges, call to action
Mr. Awodu identified key challenges hindering the effective management of haemophilia in Nigeria, noting that the condition is given low priority compared to other diseases.
She also listed inadequate infrastructure and diagnostic equipment, high cost of replacement therapy and total reliance on donated factor concentrates, among other challenges.
The team called for government intervention to address the challenges facing haemophilia management in Nigeria, specifically calling for improvements in diagnostic capacity, procurement of factor replacement therapy and reducing delays in licensing donated products.
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According to the group, the intervention is necessary to ensure timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia patients in the country.
The Minister speaks
Responding to her request, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate acknowledged the need to improve hemophilia care and committed the government to increase the supply of concentrates and promote prophylaxis practices.
She also advocated for a subsidy initiative to mitigate the financial burdens faced by vulnerable people, thereby ensuring more equitable access to essential hemophilia treatments.
Mr Pate reaffirmed the Government's commitment to prioritising blood services, bringing renewed optimism about improved diagnostic and treatment prospects for people affected by haemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder.
Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Saleh Yuguda, who facilitated the meeting, expressed his gratitude to the minister and advocacy groups for their contributions.
Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Saleh Yuguda, [PHOTO CREDIT @National Blood Service Commission]He also reaffirmed his commission's commitment to explore and utilize all available opportunities to improve blood services in Nigeria.
Support of the legislator
Recently, a member of the House of Representatives pledged to provide legislative support to address the funding challenges facing the country's blood services system.
This was revealed by Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Specialized Healthcare, Lawan Shettima, during a panel discussion aimed at fostering collaborations and addressing critical issues in the blood services sector.
Mr. Shettima said the office will be expanded to the entire federation.
He said: “That is why I think I would support them, they will acquire more equipment, more facilities and even expand their offices to zonal levels.
“That is what we are proposing. So, God willing, we will do everything possible to intervene legislatively.”