Hemophilia Patients in Afghanistan Demand Greater Access to Treatment

Several children with hemophilia have told that there is a pressing need for more accessible treatment options for this condition in the country.

Five-year-old Omar has suffered from hemophilia, or a deficiency of white blood cells, since he was eight months old. For the past two years, Omar’s family has been visiting the central blood bank for his treatment.

Omar told reporter, “I got sick at eight months old, and I’ve come here for treatment.”

Kamran, another young patient, said, “I am from Ghorband, and it’s far. When I come to this hospital, they help me and give me blood.”

Hayat-ur-Rahman, a caregiver, said, “My request to the public and doctors is to take proper care of patients.”

Officials at the central blood bank expressed concern about the shortage of Factor IX and have called on aid organizations for support.

Homayoon Hamdard, head of the hemophilia department at the blood bank, stated, “Our main challenge is the shortage of factors, but we are hopeful that aid organizations will provide more assistance so we can resolve our patients’ issues.”

Meanwhile, officials at the Ministry of Public Health have stated that centers for hemophilia patients have been established in Kabul and other provinces, and the ministry has been able to supply blood factors for patients at all centers.

Sharafat Zaman Amar Khil, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said, “Currently, in most regional blood banks and laboratories, we have provided the available resources for hemophilia patients. Blood factors are prepared there and administered to patients.”

Previously, officials at the central blood bank reported that 882 hemophilia patients have been registered with them.