Karachi: In a groundbreaking achievement for hemophilia care in Pakistan, the Hemophilia Welfare Society Karachi (HWSK) has successfully administered the first dose of Emicizumab (Hemlibra) prophylaxis therapy to 22 hemophilia patients for 06 Months. This life-changing initiative has been made possible through the Grant Aid 2025, sanctioned by the Health Department, Government of Sindh.
This was made possible on the request and advocacy done by Mr. Raheel Ahmed Khan, CEO of HWSK, and facilitated by Dr. Durenaz Jamal, Secretary, Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) with the patronage of Dr. Azra Pechuho, the minister for health Sindh.
On Wednesday, Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch accompanied by Dr. Durrenaz Jamal visited the HWSK treatment center and witnessed the administration of the first dose of Hemlibra therapy to 22 patients with the support of the government of Sindh.
Earlier, on arrival, they were warmly received by Mr. Raheel Ahmed, founder and CEO HWSK, a hemophiliac himself. He led them to tour the centre different departments and briefed about its working.
Speaking to patients and media, Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch appreciated the efforts of Hemophilia Welfare Society Karachi for their untiring services.
During this visit, I was inspired and got more knowledge about hemophilia, a bleeding disorder, he told assuring that the Sindh government will increase it's grant in coming months to provide this lifesaving Hemlibra therapy. Secretary SBTA Dr. Durrenaz Jamal said that the Sindh government is pioneering hemophilia care in Pakistan on government level becoming the first provincial government in Pakistan to dedicate funding for hemophilia treatment, setting an example for the rest of the country.
She said, In 2022, under the leadership of Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Sindh government allocated PKR.24 million to provide Emicizumab (Hemlibra) therapy for six children.
Hemophilia Welfare Society Karachi is a lifeline for patients. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to treating, rehabilitating, and educating individuals with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, Mr. Raheel Ahmed briefed.
Despite limited resources, HWSK has successfully established Hemophilia Treatment Centers at the district level, advocating for better patient care, treatment access, and awareness, he added.
Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder where the blood fails to clot properly due to Factor VIII or Factor IX deficiency. Without treatment, it leads to spontaneous bleeding, joint damage, chronic pain, disability, and reduced life expectancy. Advanced therapies like Emicizumab (Hemlibra) are crucial to ensuring a better quality of life and active participation in society, he said.
Emicizumab (Hemlibra), a monoclonal antibody therapy, is transforming hemophilia treatment by mimicking the factor VIII function, drastically reducing bleeding episodes. Unlike traditional therapies that require frequent intravenous infusions, Emicizumab is administered through subcutaneous injections, offering:
greater convenience, fewer hospital visits, improved treatment adherence, and allow normal healthy life. This therapy is a game-changer, enabling patients to lead healthier, more active lives, Mr. Raheel Ahmed further mentioned.
The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Durenaz Jamal, Secretary of SBTA, was a landmark step in the government’s commitment to rare disease care. Building upon this achievement, the Sindh Government, under the guidance of Health Secretary Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch, has now approved an enhanced grant for 22 additional patients for 06 months of treatment.
This funding is a major milestone, reinforcing Sindh’s status as a leader in rare disease management.
The Sindh Government has consistently demonstrated leadership in hemophilia care. Key achievements include: Pakistan’s first large-scale screening of 900 hemophilia patients for hepatitis and HIV, COVID-19 vaccination for 200 hemophilia patients and routine vaccination for 200 children, Facilitation of surgeries and hospital admissions for hemophilia patients in public hospitals, establishment of a dedicated Hemophilia Ward in Civil Hospital Sanghar, Ensuring a surplus supply of Fresh Frozen Plasma to HWSK from government blood banks, Finalizing an agreement with Civil Hospital Karachi to ensure timely, multi-departmental treatment for hemophilia patients.
Sindh is emerging as a country leader in hemophilia care, setting an example for other regions and provinces to follow, Mr. Raheel Ahmed concluded.
President HWSK Mr. Anis-ur-Rehman, other members Mr. Rana Shahid Dawood, Asghar Ali, women group leader Ms. Quratul Ain were also present on the occasion.
