EN SV HOME STORIES LONG-TERM HELP TRANSFORMS HAEMOPHILIA TR... HAEMOPHILIA Long-term help transforms haemophilia treatment in Kenya Programme provides security and hope An acute bleed can be lethal for someone with haemophilia In Kenya, a major hospital can now treat acute and other bleeds, thanks to the combined efforts of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program, and the Kenya Haemophilia Association (KHA), the country’s national member organisation. The way haemophilia is treated in Kenya has been transformed over the past five years. Since 2015, the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has provided nearly 17 million international units (IU) of replacement clotting factor to those who need it in the East African country, with nearly 6 million IU of factor donated in 2019. There are more than 600 people diagnosed with bleeding disorders in Kenya, and as more treatment has been made available the number of people identified with and treated for haemophilia has increased. Dr Festus Njuguna of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret explains that the hospital initially had limited ability to diagnose bleeding disorders, as well as limited stocks of treatment product. Donated factor from the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has completely changed this situation, allowing the hospital to treat acute bleeds. This has dramatically improved the lives of people with haemophilia in Kenya, especially for the children. Steve’s story is a perfect example of what the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program means for Kenyans living with haemophilia. Steve, an 8-year-old boy with haemophilia A, was brought to the hospital with bleeding in the brain which the physicians couldn’t stop. Judy – Steve’s mother – recalls that day as the beginning of a tough, traumatic journey. The situation was particularly difficult for her because she had lost her first son to haemophilia. The physicians explained that they were going to give Steve clotting factor but that the treatment would be very expensive. She told them to go ahead, but when they asked her how she would pay, she said: “I don’t know. But what I want is that you don’t let my son die.” Fortunately, a turn of events would prove to be life-changing for Steve. The hospital put Judy in contact with Dr Kibet Shikuku, Chairperson of the KHA. Dr Shikuku explained that they had factor they could give her son. When Judy asked how much treatment would cost, he told her it would be free of charge. Steve received treatment and – aside from a scar on his forehead – is now a healthy and active boy attending school. Judy is secure knowing that he also has access to treatment in the future should it become necessary. The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has also transformed life for Jeremy Ngurichana and his son, who has haemophilia. Before his son began receiving donated factor, Jeremy had to stop his business and eventually stop working in order to take care of his boy. He says it was a big challenge for him and his wife. Now that his son has access to treatment, life has changed for the whole family. Some time after starting prophylaxis, his son received a minor injury. The cut hardly bled thanks to the ongoing treatment. This seemingly small event was actually a milestone in the boy’s life. The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has made it possible for Kenyan healthcare professionals to treat bleeds, prevent bleeds and in some cases even reverse morbidity. It has also allowed for improvements in care in terms of the diagnosis and management of bleeding disorders. The security of a steady and predictable product supply has also made it possible for children to go on prophylaxis regimens. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has even set up a dedicated clinic for people with bleeding disorders. Patients can walk in, receive the treatment they need and be seen by a physician who is familiar with their condition. This has improved care overall and has also reduced hospital stays. The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program tackles the lack of access to care and treatment in developing countries by providing much-needed support for people with inherited bleeding disorders. By providing patients with a more predictable and sustainable flow of treatment products, the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program makes it possible for patients to receive consistent and reliable treatment and care. 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