Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which your blood does not clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). Consequently, there is continuous bleeding, even from the smallest injury.
To sensitise the public on this blood disorder, a team of amazing people formed the Guyana Hemophilia Society (GHS).
Establishing a worthy cause
The Guyana Hemophilia Society was founded by Laurence and Lloyd Bakhsh – two hemophiliac brothers – along with a family member, Freda Figueira, on March 6, 2014. The Society acquired registration as an official Society under the Registrar of Friendly Societies of Guyana in March 2017.
Establishing a close relation with one of Suriname hemophilia patients, Laurence Bakhsh liaised with the World Federation of Hemophilia. He was invited to attend a Hemophilia Conference held in October 2016 in Jamaica. At the conference, he further cemented international ties and relations in the hemophilia global setting.
Notably, GHS recently received accreditation from the World Federation of Hemophilia; consequently the Society will have an internationally recognised status.
“We are very encouraged with the response from the World Federation of Hemophilia. We are also honoured with the accreditation visit by Fernanda De Carvalho Geiger, Regional Coordinator – South America and a hemophilia volunteer, on September 22-26, 2017,” GHS founders expressed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.
Due to this international recognition, two of GHS members will be representing Guyana in October 2017 at the World Federation of Hemophilia conference in Colombia.
GHS objectives
Under its motto, “Strive to Stay Alive”, GHS was established to advance the interests and welfare of hemophiliacs; promote public awareness and understanding of this disorder and its associated complications in Guyana; and to build relationships with hemophiliac organisations and societies around the world.
The GHS is eager to educate the Guyanese public of the seriousness of blood disorders/diseases, specifically hemophilia with signs, symptoms, treatment options and coping mechanisms from persons affected with the blood disorder.
Future plans
The GHS plans to have an annual health fair and march on World Hemophilia Day, which is celebrated on April 17. Additionally, it hopes to partner with other societies, such as the Sickle Cell Association, to bring awareness on blood disorders/diseases to the public.
Due to lack of information and education regarding hemophilia and other blood disorders/diseases, GHS aims to create an open mind and grasp on the severity of these. Its hope is to save lives by helping others recognise the symptoms of hemophilia, which will help in early definitive diagnoses, and recognition of persons, who were previously unaware of their disorder/disease status, to be added to the GHS patient database.
For more information, visit Guyana Hemophilia Society on Facebook or call 615-3359.
