A blood drive held in Navua attracted around 20 community members yesterday, all coming together to donate blood for 10-year-old Aiden Rao. Aiden is courageously facing a severe case of FTJ hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder that poses significant dangers from injuries, no matter how minor. His father, Bernard Rao, emphasized the importance of these donations, stating they are essential for Aiden’s recovery.
“Aiden is currently enduring a serious internal bleed near his groin, and blood donations are the only solution that can truly help him,” Mr. Rao explained, illustrating the urgency of their situation. He expressed the heart-wrenching feelings any parent experiences when a child is in pain. The ongoing national medicine shortage in Fiji adds to their challenges, complicating the search for donors and necessary medical supplies.
Despite the difficulty, Mr. Rao is hopeful that awareness of Aiden’s plight will encourage a steady stream of blood donations to help stabilize his son’s condition. He specifically called for greater public understanding of FTJ hemophilia, stressing that many are unaware of the severity and implications associated with this disorder.
Similar to Aiden’s situation, there is a larger concern regarding hemophilia awareness in Fiji. Recent reports have indicated that while there could be over 100 cases nationwide, only 47 individuals are officially diagnosed, and even fewer are registered within healthcare systems. Public health officials are actively working on initiatives to improve diagnostic capabilities and enhance community outreach to raise awareness about blood disorders like hemophilia.
Efforts are being made to increase the availability of critical blood products like cryoprecipitate, crucial for stabilizing patients like Aiden. The commitment from local communities to provide support during medical crises reflects a profound sense of unity and hope. Each blood donation not only aids Aiden but also creates a living testament to the strength found in community spirit during such trying times.
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