Haemophilia day commemorated

The day is commemorated annually to create awareness and educate people about the signs and symptoms, as well as available treatment, for Haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

Haemophilia is a group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body’s ability to control blood clotting or coagulation.

According to the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH), Haemophilia A is the most common form of the disorder, present in about one in 5 000 to 10 000 male births, while Haemophilia B occurs in around one in about 20 000 to 34 000 male births.

The main signs of the disease include persistent bleeding after circumcision or other surgery or blood tests, unexplained recurrent bruises and unusual-looking lumps, bleeding from cuts and scratches taking a long time to stop, swelling of a joint and a lot of bruising after injections.

“We are encouraging parents to look out for this signs and symptoms in young boys and seek medical help if they suspect that their child might have the condition. If properly managed, it can lead to a long and healthy life,” said Gauteng Health MEC, Hope Papo.

“As a department we are making sure that children education is not being comprised. We have made means to ensure that children of school-going age are receiving treatment at our facilities continues with their schooling work on the premises.

“This is to enable children not to lose out on the education whilst receiving treatment, whenever a child is unable to attend class, lessons are offered at their bedside.

“A number of learners have written their final examinations on a sick bed under a supervision of a full-time teacher and succeeded in their examination.”

Papo adds that it is also inspiring that health professionals are continuing to conduct training workshops and presenting papers on treatment and management of haematology and oncology.

Papo says this project will improve overall therapeutic outcomes for about 800 Haemophilia patients (both children and adults).