KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 – As the world prepares to observe World Hemophilia Day on April 17, 2024, the spotlight turns to individuals living with haemophilia, urging for increased awareness and support for a better quality of life. In Malaysia, where the prevalence of the condition is notable, efforts are underway to enhance healthcare and education surrounding haemophilia care. Hariee Prabakaran, a 22-year-old living with severe haemophilia A, sheds light on the challenges faced by those with the condition. Recalling his childhood spent refraining from activities he loved due to the risk of life-threatening bleeds, Hariee emphasizes the social stigma and discrimination encountered by individuals with haemophilia.
Despite the hurdles, Hariee represents a growing subset of patients requiring innovative therapies to navigate life beyond the constraints of frequent hospital visits and treatment regimens. Deepti Saraf, General Manager at Roche (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., underscores the need for proactive measures to address the burden faced by both patients and caregivers. With over 72% of haemophilia A cases in Malaysia classified as severe, the call for government support and public awareness becomes increasingly urgent. Hariee’s mother echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing haemophilia and providing a support system for affected families.
As the paradigm in haemophilia treatment evolves towards enabling active, healthy lives, the journey towards holistic change demands ongoing education and collaboration across the healthcare spectrum. Roche Malaysia, alongside healthcare partners and stakeholders, leads the charge in championing this initiative, striving to empower individuals with haemophilia to embrace life beyond the confines of their condition.
