Lebanese Association of Hemophilia launches national awareness campaign

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The campaign aimed at better sensitizing the public about the exponential benefits of treating sufferers early as well as potentially soliciting the attention of an estimated 50% of hemophiliacs in Lebanon not currently registered or acquiring treatment.

The campaign organized by the Ministry of Health, the Lebanese Association of Hemophilia, Novo Nordisk Pharma, the Lebanese Society of Hematology and the Lebanese Society of Pediatrics also features the launch of a new magnetic card by the Ministry of Health, designed to keep better track of people with hemophilia and ensure they receive adequate treatment.

'People born with hemophilia have little to none of a protein needed for normal blood clotting or 'clotting factor'. When blood vessels are injured, clotting factors help the platelets stick together to plug cuts and breaks at the site of the injury to stop the bleeding. Therefore, people with hemophilia need injections of the 'missing' clotting factor to stop bleeding,'

said Dr. Ali Taher, Vice-President of the Lebanese Association of Hemophilia and the Lebanese Society of Hematology.

Hemophilia is generally inherited by males from gene-carrying mothers, though 30% of cases still occur randomly making it a disease that can afflict anyone. The disorder is also under diagnosed globally and treatment rates vary between the developed and developing world.

'Without treatment, hemophilia can cause crippling pain, severe joint damage, functional disability and social isolation. In some cases, it may lead to life- threatening internal bleeding. In contrast, with early and appropriate management, people can live healthy and productive lives,'

said Dr. Claudia Khayat, Lebanese Association for Hemophilia committee member.

Importantly, management before the age of 21 allows a significant reduction of treatment care in the future, therefore, fast action is crucial in order to secure immediate treatment of the bleed with injections of the clotting factor concentrate in adequate doses.

Beyond that, comprehensive care addressing all physical, psychological, educational, professional, social and familial aspects is also needed. The importance of physiotherapy for preserving healthier joints should be emphasized.

Hemophilia in Lebanon

Up to 500 people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders are believed to live in Lebanon.

Half of Lebanese hemophiliacs are below 18 years old and yet more than 60% already suffer from severe motor disability due to lack of disease education and limited access to treatment. Some are already on wheelchairs.

Established in 1992, the Lebanese Association of Hemophilia (LAH) is currently the only NGO (non-governmental organization) to provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services for hemophilia patients including a multidisciplinary clinic, physical rehabilitation, dental care, post-surgical follow-up, genetic counselling and psychosocial follow-up.