Why in news?
The World Health Organization’s Executive Board has approved a resolution urging member states to improve diagnosis and treatment for haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The move aims to address glaring inequities in access to care.
Background
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood lacks sufficient clotting factor, leading to prolonged bleeding. It predominantly affects males, while females are carriers who may also experience symptoms. Untreated patients suffer joint damage, internal bleeding and early death. According to estimates, only about one‑third of people with haemophilia worldwide are formally diagnosed, and more than 70 percent receive inadequate or no therapy.
Key provisions of the resolution
- Raising awareness: Governments are called upon to educate healthcare providers and the public about bleeding disorders to reduce stigma and encourage early testing.
- Expanding diagnostics: Member states should strengthen laboratory networks to offer clotting factor assays and genetic screening, particularly in low‑income countries.
- Ensuring treatment: The resolution emphasises making clotting factor concentrates, gene therapies and comprehensive care accessible and affordable. Supply chains must be secure so that patients receive uninterrupted treatment.
- Equity for women and girls: The document notes that women and girls often face delays in diagnosis and treatment. Programmes must address gender biases and provide support for female patients.
- Timeline and monitoring: WHO will prepare an implementation plan by 2028 and may recognise an official World Haemophilia Day to sustain global attention.
Significance
- Health equity: Access to therapy transforms haemophilia from a debilitating condition into a manageable one. The resolution aims to ensure that no patient is left untreated due to geography or income.
- Data collection: Better surveillance will reveal the true burden of bleeding disorders and guide resource allocation.
- Global solidarity: International cooperation can enable pooled procurement of medicines, training of specialists and research on affordable therapies.
Source: The Hindu
