Concerns over poor healthcare access for haemophilia patients in rural Gambia were raised during the Safe Motherhood and Haemophilia Foundation’s family day held at the Badala Park Hotel.

The event brought together patients, families and health officials to discuss the challenges faced by people living with the rare bleeding disorder, especially in remote areas such as Farafenni, Bansang, Kudang and other parts of the country.

Speakers highlighted recent cases of patients dying due to a lack of specialised care. A mother from Farafenni blamed the death of her daughter on the absence of a haematologist, while another parent, Ebrima Top from Kudang, said he also lost a child to haemophilia.

“There is a clear shortage of healthcare personnel in these communities,” a foundation representative said, calling for urgent government action to address the gaps in medical expertise and infrastructure.

Parents also raised concerns about limited access to equipment and treatment. The only haemophilia testing machine in the country is in Banjul, forcing rural patients to travel long distances for diagnosis and medication.

“Access to healthcare is extremely limited, and it’s putting lives at risk,” one parent said.

Haemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that requires regular treatment through clotting factor replacement therapy — a service often unavailable outside the capital.

Foundation president Vandy Jayah said the organisation is working to improve care and case management.

“We’re developing a patient ID system to help healthcare providers better manage cases and ensure timely treatment,” he said.

He added that the Foundation has launched a national awareness campaign to combat misconceptions and improve diagnosis among healthcare workers.

“Haemophilia is real, and people are living with it,” he stressed.

The Foundation also held a Family Fun Day on 11 October to provide children with haemophilia a safe space to socialise and reduce stigma.

Secretary General Josephine Touray said progress has been made, noting that patients previously had to travel to Senegal for testing.

“Thanks to our efforts, a haemophilia laboratory has now been established in Banjul, allowing local access to treatment,” she said.

Touray urged patients and caregivers to have regular check-ups with haematologists and to inform doctors of their condition before any medical procedures.

Despite these improvements, she said more work is needed to ensure that all patients, especially those in rural areas, receive the care they need.

Mr Jayah added that haemophilia is an inherited disorder.

“If the father has the disease, it can be transferred to the mother, and if the mother carries it, the daughter can inherit it,” he explained.

The Safe Motherhood and Haemophilia Foundation continues to work with the government and international partners to improve healthcare access and awareness across The Gambia.

By Madi S. Njie