3 weeks Ago By Dennis Peprah
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Dennis Peprah, https://newsghana.com.gh/ghana-hematologist-calls-for-national-push-to-address-bleeding-disorder-care-gaps/Dr Eunice Ahmed Agyemang, a Haematologist and member of the Haemophilia Society of Ghana on Wednesday advocated a nationwide campaign to tackle inequity in care for bleeding disorders.
There is also the need to create a safe, stigma-free space for women and girls living with haemophilia, bleeding disorders and to share their experiences.As Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Haemophilia Day, Dr Agyemang told the media in an interview that the nation ought to do more to tackle the existing gaps in diagnosis and access.Each year, on April 17, the world unites to raise awareness about haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders and the theme for the 2025 celebration is “Women and Girls Bleed Too”.
Dr Agyemang indicated that key institutions such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital with immense support from the World Federation of Haemophilia and the Ghana Haemophilia Society were making important strides to improve haemophilia care.Nonetheless, she said critical gaps remained, particularly in access to diagnostics, treatment, and specialized care.Dr Agyemang noted that addressing those challenges required a collective approach, and called on the government bodies, public health agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals to collaborate to ensure that every person living with a bleeding disorder receives equitable and timely care, regardless of gender, geography, or financial means.
“Let us ensure that no woman or girl living with a bleeding disorder in Ghana is left behind. When we listen to them and provide the care they deserve, we improve outcomes not just for individuals but for families, communities, and our entire country”, she stated.Dr Agyemang said though bleeding disorders could not be cured, they could be effectively managed, saying treatment might include clotting factor replacement therapy, antifibrinolytic medications, hormone treatments for menstrual symptoms, and supportive care from specialized health professionals.
“Early diagnosis is a key to improving quality of life”, Dr Adwoa Agyemang Adu Gyamfi, a member of the Haemophilia Society of Ghana, aspiring to become a Haematologist also stated in another interview.She said bleeding disorders include haemophilia ‘A’ and ‘B’ inherited conditions (mostly affecting males) where clotting factors VIII or IX are deficient.Dr Gyamfi said women and girls can also have symptoms, even if they carry the gene or have low factor levels.
The Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both men and women, often leading to easy bruising, nosebleeds, and heavy periods, she stated.Other rare disorders include platelet function disorders and deficiencies of other clotting factors, and mentioned frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, heavy or prolonged menstruation as some common signs and symptoms.Some symptoms include unexplained bruises, blood in urine or stools, painful, swollen joints or muscles from internal bleeding as well as excessive bleeding after surgery, dental work, or childbirth.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Dennis Peprah, https://newsghana.com.gh/ghana-hematologist-calls-for-national-push-to-address-bleeding-disorder-care-gaps/.
