Improving access to hemophilia care in sub-Saharan Africa by capacitybuilding

摘要

Hemophilia is a rare genetic disease that results from mutations in the genes thatcode for proteins necessary for normal blood clotting, factor VIII (hemophilia A)and factor IX (hemophilia B). Although there is evidence that the incidence ofhemophilia is constant in different populations, there is a wide variation in thereported prevalence of hemophilia across countries. With 18% of the world’spopulation, Africa represents less than 3% of patients identified as havinghemophilia, and only 2% of those use clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) fortreatment. It is likely that these differences between countries are the result ofdifferential capacities for prompt and accurate diagnosis and for the provision ofcare necessary for survival. Diagnosis and care for hemophilia are heavily dependenton the availability of trained health care professionals and CFCs.