Haemophilia alert: Gauteng health urges early intervention

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The Gauteng Department of Health has encouraged residents to pursue early medical intervention for haemophilia, a serious genetic blood disorder that affects blood clotting.

This crucial awareness comes as the world is celebrating Haemophilia Day on 17 April.

According to the department, haemophilia is a lifelong condition that can cause prolonged or excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Symptoms often appear early in life and may include excessive bruising, frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and bleeding into joints and muscles, which can cause pain and swelling.

“In more severe cases, individuals may experience spontaneous internal bleeding without any obvious injury. The condition is caused by a deficiency of clotting factors in the blood.

“The two main types are haemophilia A, the most common, which results from a lack of clotting factor VIII, and haemophilia B, which is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX.

“Haemophilia primarily affects males due to its X-linked inheritance and can result in severe complications, such as internal bleeding and long-term joint damage, if left untreated,” the department said in a statement.

Managing haemophilia

The department emphasized that early diagnosis is the most vital initial step in managing haemophilia and in preventing serious complications.

Members of the public are encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience unusual or prolonged bleeding or notice these symptoms in children.

Prompt medical care is essential, as it can halt bleeding episodes, lessen long-term damage, and greatly enhance quality of life. Conversely, delays in treatment may lead to life-threatening bleeding, especially in vital areas of the body.

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The department provides specialized diagnosis and management services for haemophilia at four academic hospitals: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Steve Biko, and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospitals.

It stated that it is enhancing its response by partnering with organizations like the Haemophilia Foundation of South Africa to train healthcare workers, which aims to improve the early detection, referral, and ongoing management of haemophilia.