It is a genetic disorder quite expensive to be managed by many Cameroonians.
As the world commemorated World Hemophilia Day on April 17, 2016, medical experts say it is necessary to continuously sensitise the population on this rare hereditary health illness in which blood does not clot normally since it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins. A Hematologist, Dr Claude Tayou, at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital says people with haemophilia lack blood clotting protein due to chromosome abnormality. As such, this can lead to spontaneous bleeding, as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery. This is a disease that is usually transmitted from the mother to the son. Statistics show that about 2000 Cameroonians are suffering from haemophilia.
Prolonged bleeding after circumcision may be the first indication of hemophilia in a baby boy. In boys who are not circumcised, easy bruising when the child becomes more mobile may lead to the diagnosis as such a bruise may lead to heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped. However, Dr Tayou says early diagnosis through certain techniques when the child is still in the womb can indicate if the child could suffer from hemophilia. According to Dr Tayou, such techniques, which are possible to carry out after 18 weeks of pregnancy, are not available for everybody in the society.
The only way to prevent hemophilia is by knowing families that have the disease as well as avoiding marriage between hemophilia patients. Dr Tayou stresses that it is better for women who are carriers of hemophilia to avoid families with the disease because there is great chance of them having a child with hemophilia. Once a patient, it is advisable for such a person to avoid situations that will cause bleeding, avoid intramuscular injections and avoid certain surgeries. When trauma is reduced, bleeding is also avoided. However, health workers say such patients can bleed even without traumatism and when this occurs, it is necessary to apply the deficient protein which is available through regents and drugs. This is a treatment that can be taken for at least three days before bleeding can stop.
Dr Claude Tayou said the drug is quite expensive and an average Cameroonian cannot afford. According to him a child weighing 10kgs needs drugs worth FCFA 200, 000 per day as for adults’ treatment per day could rise to FCFA one million. The Hemophilia treatment centre at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital is supported by the World Federation of Hemophilia for training of staff and provision of drugs. Dr Tayou says only haemophilia patients registered at the Cameroon’s Association of Hemophilia can be consulted, diagnosed and treated free of charge at the centre due to collaborations with foreign partners. Families are advised to check for members that bleed abnormally and bring to the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital for further diagnose.
