The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is celebrating 25 years of donating much-needed treatments for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders to 110 countries.
Through the Humanitarian Aid Program, a group of partner companies, including CSL Behring, together have provided one billion international units (IUs) of clotting factor. People who have bleeding disorders need supplemental clotting factor, derived from donated human plasma or delivered in recombinant products. The replacement factor helps patients avoid excessive bleeding and improves their quality of life.
“In many cases, these donations have saved the lives of adults – and children … More than 20,000 patients living with bleeding disorders have been helped by the program across the globe,” the WFH said in a press release.
Last month, the program helped an 8-year-old boy in Cuba receive emergency care following a car accident that caused a hematoma (pooled blood) in his leg.
The humanitarian donations have been provided since 1996 and in spite of obstacles.
“Last year, the WFH was able to distribute 146 million IUs of treatment across the globe despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” WFH officials said.
The aid program was developed to address access to care by working with national member organizations (NMOs). It helps with emergencies, acute bleeds, corrective surgeries and preventive treatment for young children. During 2020, the WFH helped get education online and collaborated with local organizations to ensure care would not be interrupted.
