By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Executive Director and Founder of the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria (HFN), Mrs. Megan Buckie Adediran, has appealed to the Federal Government to support efforts aimed at improving the lives of thousands living with haemophilia across the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna to mark the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, Adediran revealed that an estimated 24,500 Nigerians are living with haemophilia — a rare bleeding disorder — yet only about 500 have been formally diagnosed, leaving approximately 98% undiagnosed.

Established in 2005, HFN has grown from a small advocacy group to a national voice for persons living with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. According to Adediran, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to promote awareness, facilitate early diagnosis, ensure access to treatment, and build a supportive community across Nigeria.

“This year, we celebrate 20 years of impact with the global World Haemophilia Day theme: ‘Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too’. It highlights the often-ignored reality that women and girls also suffer from bleeding disorders and are frequently misdiagnosed or left untreated,” she stated.

Adediran emphasized the critical need to address bleeding disorders in maternal healthcare, noting that postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria. According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health, PPH accounts for approximately 22% of maternal fatalities, with nearly 57,000 women dying in 2023 alone due to complications from childbirth.

She highlighted several challenges faced by the Foundation, including lack of awareness and cultural misconceptions. “Haemophilia is not witchcraft,” she clarified, “it is a medical condition.”

Adediran called on the government to support the Foundation by ensuring the availability of haemophilia drugs in the country. She also urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to waive customs duties on these medications, which are not sold but stored in government hospitals and provided free to patients.

Several beneficiaries of the Foundation shared their stories during the event. Victor Ogochukwu, who lost a sibling to haemophilia-related complications, described meeting the founder as a turning point in his life. Timothy Adediran, who underwent eight blood transfusions before the age of 10, shared how the Foundation helped him regain normalcy.

Another beneficiary, Adamu Idris, said the ‘Factor’ drug provided by HFN gave him tremendous relief and has enabled him and others to live happy, healthy lives.

The event concluded with calls for increased support from government, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to ensure continued care for those living with haemophilia in Nigeria.