Haemophilia Federation of Nigeria urges govt. support, greater awareness

The Haemophilia Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has called for increased government support and public awareness to address the challenges faced by individuals living with haemophilia across the country.

HFN’s North Central Coordinator, Dr Patrick Uju, made the call during the 2025 World Haemophilia Day awareness campaign held in Abuja.

Supreme news reports that haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder in which the blood fails to clot properly due to a deficiency in clotting factors.

Uju emphasised the critical need for routine screenings, early diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.

Haemophilia Day is commemorated globally on April 11.

This year’s theme, “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too,” underscores the reality that although haemophilia primarily affects males, women can also be carriers and, in some cases, symptomatic.

Uju stressed the importance of awareness for early diagnosis and effective management.

“It took me over 16 years of practicing as a medical doctor before I could diagnose my condition.

“So, imagine how difficult it would be for those without medical knowledge or access to proper care.

“That’s why we must increase awareness, ensure more people are diagnosed, and encourage them to seek appropriate care,” he said.

He urged healthcare professionals to recommend tests such as the haemophilia or Von Willebrand assessments when patients present with unexplained bleeding, especially in children.

Uju also appealed to the government to prioritise the provision of haemophilia treatment, noting that the federation could not rely solely on donations.

“Haemophilia is a non-communicable disease and is officially recognised in Nigeria, but recognition alone is not enough.

“We need the government’s active involvement to address treatment access and overcome importation barriers,” he stated.

Also speaking, Dr Christiana Udo, Consultant Haematologist and Director at the North Central Haemophilia Treatment Center, highlighted that while haemophilia was rare, “some females do exhibit symptoms.

“Haemophilia is an inherited X-linked disorder affecting clotting proteins. There are two main types: Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B.

“There’s also Von Willebrand disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder.

“While haemophilia predominantly affects males, females can be carriers and, in some cases, symptomatic,” she explained.

She,however, noted that the condition could be managed by replacing the missing clotting protein.

“For Haemophilia A, we use factor VIII concentrates, and for Haemophilia B, factor IX concentrates.

“Once infused, the bleeding stops,” she said, adding that newer medications now allowed for preventive treatment to reduce bleeding episodes.

Dr Abba Badamosi, Director of Clinical Services at the National Hospital Abuja, affirmed the hospital’s continued support for haemophilia patients, particularly children, through subsidised fees and dedicated care.

Eighteen-year-old patient Idris Bello shared his personal struggles living with haemophilia and appealed for greater government intervention to make treatment more affordable and accessible.

Mrs Nkoyo Eyo, a concerned mother, advocated for increased grassroots awareness and the training of primary healthcare workers to better recognise and manage the disorder.