TREATMENT WITHOUT BORDERS
How the WFH Continues to Provide Hope Around the World
In 1996, The World Federation of Hemophilia’s (WFH) Humanitarian Aid Program was built on a commitment of “Treatment for All”—providing care to people with bleeding disorders in developing countries who had limited access to life-saving treatment. Twenty-five years later, the program is continuing to deliver on its promise. And in the beginning of 2019, Roche/Genentech began its support to help further this goal.
The vision of the WFH for “Treatment for All” aligned perfectly with Roche/Genentech’s values. Before Roche/Genentech launched their prophylactic treatment, it too had a vision to bring treatment to patients all over the world. By supporting the WFH program, more unmet needs can be addressed and the lives of people living with bleeding disorders can be improved, no matter where they live.
Living with hemophilia in resource-poor countries comes with a tremendous impact on livelihoods that is very distinct from experiences in the US. Approximately 75% of the 794,000 people living with hemophilia worldwide receive inadequate or no treatment. Furthermore, 90% of people living with hemophilia in developing countries aren’t diagnosed and many do not survive due to lack of appropriate treatment.
At the end of 2018, the WFH and Roche/Genentech formed the Humanitarian Aid partnership, and Roche/Genentech committed to providing prophylactic treatment for 1,000 people with hemophilia A over 5 years. In addition, this partnership also provides funding to support the program’s integrated care development training, the local infrastructure, logistics, and medical expertise.
Two patients in Zambia received the first Roche/Genentech donations in 2020, followed by patients in Nepal. As of autumn 2021, 806 patients in 30 different countries have received prophylactic treatment through this program.
This commitment marked the first time patients in developing countries will get access to a subcutaneous prophylactic treatment. It will also make a significant impact, as children with severe hemophilia who do not have access to treatment often do not survive to adulthood and most patients had no or very limited access to inhibitor treatment therapies.
With this partnership, the WFH has been able to hold training sessions in developing countries as well, allowing healthcare professionals to learn about this novel prophylactic treatment and how to properly use it for people living with hemophilia A.
As their work continues, the WFH and Roche/Genentech plan to address more unmet needs in the hemophilia community and continue to positively improve the lives of people with hemophilia A, no matter where they live.