ZANZIBAR: The Haemophilia Society of Tanzania (HST) has said about 350 of approximately 6,200 haemophilia patients in the country, both Mainland and Zanzibar attend clinics.
Speaking to journalists on raising awareness on haemophilia in Zanzibar, President of the Haemophilia Society of Tanzania (HST), Dr Stella Rwezaula said haemophilia remains a significant health concern, with varying degrees of severity and a need for lifelong management.
Dr Rwezaula, who doubles as Haematologist at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), said in Tanzania these challenges are compounded by a lack of awareness and resources.
“Worldwide, 97 per cent of people with the condition have not been diagnosed and only 3 per cent know their status. This is a hereditary disease that affects both men and women, but mostly men,”
She said haemophilia, a rare genetic disorder impairing blood clotting, affects millions of people globally, including an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 individuals in Tanzania.
She continued: The HST’s latest campaign, launched in Zanzibar seeks to elevate haemophilia awareness to new heights.
“Through a series of impactful events, including media engagement, healthcare collaboration and public education, we aim to break down barriers, dispel myths, and highlight the realities of living with haemophilia,” she said.
Addressing the meeting, Haematology Specialist from Mnazi Mmoja Hospital – Zanzibar, Dr Thuwen Nassor said.
“Currently the government of Zanzibar has purchased diagnostic equipment for haemophilia, so I urge everyone to go and get tested.
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate HST for coming to Zanzibar and setting up a centre to help treat patients in the country rather than referring them to abroad,”
One of the patients, Dominic Seye said, “I lived with haemophilia without knowing it. When I was nine years old, I was given an injection which causes excessive bleeding, later on I was diagnosed with the condition,” he said.
He added: “This disease has led to many challenges that limit me from fully participating in economic and developmental activities. I would like to request the government to construct centres to offer these services in every district to raise awareness in the communities and relieve sufferers from the burden of having to travel outside of the country to seek treatment.”
