Morocco Commemorates World Hemophilia Day
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in line with the international community, is celebrating World Hemophilia Day (April 17) this year under the theme: “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too,” a slogan adopted by the World Federation of Hemophilia.
On the occasion of this day, the ministry announced in a statement the organization of a national awareness campaign, in addition to a scientific symposium that will gather stakeholders and actors involved in combating blood coagulation disorders. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing early diagnosis, ensuring fair access to treatments, and improving care, especially for women and girls who face a lack of attention regarding their health needs related to these lesser-known disorders.
The ministry stated that commemorating this day underscores the importance of joint action in addressing this disease, which aims to overcome the challenges faced by individuals with hemophilia and their families, ensuring them a healthy and safe life. It also seeks to raise awareness about hemophilia and other blood coagulation disorders, which are rare genetic illnesses affecting the blood’s ability to clot normally.
According to the World Federation of Hemophilia, approximately 1.125 million people worldwide live with hemophilia, with only 30 percent diagnosed and receiving necessary care. Hemophilia A is the most common type, accounting for four to five times the number of hemophilia B cases.
In Morocco, it is estimated that hemophilia affects around 3,000 individuals, with specialized centers treating more than 1,000 of these patients, who benefit from diagnostic and treatment services.
Given the challenge that hemophilia poses as a public health issue, a national program for the prevention and care of hemophilia was launched in 2010, aiming to improve the care of affected individuals.
This program has made significant progress, notably through the establishment of 17 specialized centers, six of which are classified as referral centers located in various university hospitals. Additionally, there are 11 local centers for hemophilia treatment within regional and provincial hospitals, equipped with the necessary tools to ensure care and enhance the competencies of health professionals through targeted training courses, as well as improving access to anti-hemophilia medications essential for reducing complications and improving patients’ quality of life.
The ministry affirmed that despite these achievements, there is still an urgent need to double efforts, particularly concerning other coagulation disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, rare clotting factor deficiencies, and hereditary platelet disorders, which remain insufficiently recognized and are often diagnosed late, especially among women and girls.
