Accra, April 18, – The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has intensified calls for greater public awareness, early diagnosis, and stronger social support systems for people living with haemophilia, warning that stigma and misinformation continue to worsen the condition’s impact in Ghana.
Haemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots, leading to prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and internal bleeding in severe cases.
Speaking at a symposium to mark World Haemophilia Day, Dr Ama Edwin, Senior Specialist in Bioethics and Palliative Care at UGMC, said many patients and families continue to suffer not only physically but also emotionally due to widespread misconceptions about the disease.
She noted that in some communities, haemophilia is wrongly associated with superstition, a belief that fuels stigma, discrimination and social isolation.
“Beyond the physical challenges, there is a heavy psychological burden. Children are often unable to participate in normal activities, and caregivers face emotional strain and unfair blame,” she said.
Dr Edwin stressed that haemophilia is a genetic condition and not anyone’s fault, urging society to move away from blame and focus on support and understanding.
She also highlighted the need for practical assistance for families, including emotional care, community support and respite for caregivers.
Senior Specialist Haematologist Dr Nana Agyeiwah Awuku said low awareness, weak diagnostic systems and limited access to treatment centres remain major barriers in Ghana’s response to haemophilia.
She explained that many cases go undiagnosed due to lack of knowledge and the high cost of confirmatory tests, which are often conducted outside the country.
Dr Awuku added that while clotting factor treatments are made available through partnerships, patients still face financial burdens related to hospital care and transportation.
She warned that untreated haemophilia can lead to long-term complications such as joint damage, chronic pain and disability, which may also disrupt education due to frequent hospital visits.
Despite these challenges, she said effective treatment allows patients to live normal and productive lives if diagnosed early.
Medical Officer Dr Thelma Yawa Okudzeto explained that diagnosis involves specialised blood tests to determine the type and severity of haemophilia, noting that timely detection is critical for proper management.
“Diagnosis is the first step to care. Once identified, treatment is available and effective,” she said.
Experts estimate that while more than 3,000 people may be living with haemophilia in Ghana, only about 500 cases have been officially recorded.
The UGMC called for a coordinated national response to improve awareness, expand diagnostic capacity, reduce treatment costs and strengthen healthcare systems to better support affected individuals.
This year’s World Haemophilia Day is being observed on the theme: “Diagnosis: First Step to Care,” with a global emphasis on closing the diagnosis gap, especially among women and people with undetected bleeding disorders.
GHBUSS
18 April 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment