Efforts to improve care and support for Fijians living with hemophilia have received a major boost, thanks to a new partnership between the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratories (FIMLS) and the Fiji Hemophilia Foundation (FHF).

The announcement was made during the commemoration of World Hemophilia Day on Saturday at the Sigatoka Subdivisional Hospital, where FIMLS President Jignesh Sharma pledged the Institute’s support to the foundation’s ongoing work.

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, also addressed the event, highlighting the importance of sustained advocacy and awareness around hemophilia a rare, inherited bleeding disorder that can cause severe health complications if left untreated.

According to the FHF, more than 100 people in Fiji are estimated to be living with hemophilia, with 47 confirmed diagnoses and 33 currently registered.

The foundation provides free access to Recombinant Factor VIII a critical treatment for hemophilia A at hospitals and health centers across the country.

While diagnosis remains a challenge, often requiring confirmation from overseas labs, the FHF is working closely with the Ministry of Health to strengthen diagnostic capabilities and provide specialized training for Emergency Department personnel.

Hemophilia A, the most common form, stems from a deficiency in clotting protein factor VIII.

It can occur even in families with no history of the condition.

Symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, unexplained bruises, and joint pain can be warning signs, and early medical intervention is vital.

This year’s World Hemophilia Day message in Fiji centered on the power of partnerships both within the health sector and across communities to ensure that no one living with this lifelong condition is left behind.