Efforts to enhance healthcare for individuals with hemophilia in Fiji have gained substantial momentum due to a new collaboration between the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratories (FIMLS) and the Fiji Hemophilia Foundation (FHF). This partnership was announced during the recent World Hemophilia Day event held at the Sigatoka Subdivisional Hospital, where FIMLS President Jignesh Sharma expressed strong support for the foundation’s vital work.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, addressed attendees about the critical need for ongoing advocacy and awareness surrounding hemophilia, a rare genetic bleeding disorder that poses significant health risks if left untreated. The FHF estimates that over 100 individuals in Fiji are living with hemophilia, but currently, only 47 cases have been confirmed and 33 patients registered.
An essential component of the foundation’s services is providing free access to Recombinant Factor VIII, a crucial treatment for hemophilia A, available at hospitals and health centers across Fiji. However, the road to diagnosis can be challenging, as it often necessitates sending samples overseas for confirmation—a process that can delay treatment and create further complications for patients.
As hemophilia A stems from a deficiency of the clotting protein factor VIII, symptoms can include prolonged bleeding, unexplained bruising, and joint pain. Early intervention is vital. The recent World Hemophilia Day theme in Fiji underscored the importance of partnerships within both the health system and local communities to ensure that individuals with this lifelong condition receive the support they need.
Collaboration between local health authorities and organizations like the FHF is expected to bolster diagnostic capabilities and provide much-needed training for Emergency Department personnel. This united front not only raises awareness but also offers a hopeful outlook for sustainability in health outcomes for those affected by hemophilia in Fiji.
Through sustained community engagement and increased healthcare access, initiatives like these aim to create a well-informed society that understands and addresses the challenges of living with hemophilia and encourages proactive health-seeking behavior. It paints a positive picture of healthcare improvements in Fiji, reflecting the commitment to better support those with chronic health conditions.
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