Islamabad: To honor World Hemophilia Day, SPEAK Trust in collaboration with Health Services Academy marked a significant National Consultation Meeting at the Health Services Academy in Islamabad. Distinguished guest speakers from various esteemed organizations gathered to shed light on the challenges faced in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia patients.
Among the notable speakers were Dr. Shehzad Ali Khan, the Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy; Dr. Abbas Ali Zaidi, President of Hemophilia Foundation; Dr. Shahid, the Dean of Life Sciences; Dr. Lubna from Hemophilia Patients Welfare Society; Air Marshal Aftab Hussain, Director of Sundas Foundation; and Dr. Farwa, blood bank in-charge along with hematologists from private and public hospitals
The event revolved around insightful discussions and a panel session addressing the hurdles encountered in providing adequate care and support to hemophilic patients. Dr. Shehzad underscored the concerning prevalence of genetic diseases in Pakistan, partly attributing it to the high rate of cousin marriages. Dr. Shehzad further highlighted a broader regional context, mentioning that countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia in the EMRO region have greater awareness of prenatal and premarital screening compared to Pakistan. Despite being part of the EMRO region, Pakistan lags behind in this aspect and stands among the top countries in the region for hemophilia prevalence. Dr. Lubna further elaborated the issues related to medicine procurement and socio-economic challenges faced by the patients
Mr. Shahbaz Akbar Chaudhary highlighted another social stigma attached with Hemophilia prevention and delved into the stereotypes surrounding prenatal and premarital screenings, emphasizing the crucial need for awareness and advocacy for widespread testing, even at the school level. Air Marshal Aftab stressed the importance of involving religious scholars and leaders to raise awareness about genetic disorders, acknowledging their significant influence within the Pakistani population.
The event concluded with the presentation of shields to the esteemed panelists and engaging group activities aimed at devising strategies to prevent hemophilia and enhance awareness and advocacy efforts.
In a poignant statement, the organizers emphasized that this event marks not the end, but the beginning of a collective endeavor towards a Pakistan free from Hemophilia.