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August 8th, 2003

13th Mexican Haemophilia Congress reveals the progress of a nation in providing high quality care and education

National and international experts gathered in León, Mexico last week, together with haemophiliacs and their families for the 13th Mexican Haemophilia congress.
Jointly organised by the Mexican Federation of Haemophilia and the Haemophilia Association of the State of Guanajuato, the event attracted over 600 delegates.

The scientific programme for doctors, nurses and laboratory personnel, included plenary lectures, workshops, symposia and presentations on a wide variety of topics ranging from current practice and recent advances in Mexico to state-of-the-art management of haemophilia.

In parallel, a number of sessions were held specifically for patients and families. These included practical workshops on topics such as self-infusion and muscle conditioning. Additionally, parents and children were offered options in educational programs. Depending on their priorities, they could attend lectures concerning issues related to the clinical features of haemophilia or a special programme of presentations designed to encourage and support independence and quality of life for those living with haemophilia. During these sessions families heard from haemophilia specialists, including haematologists, psychologists, dentists, physiotherapists and nurses.

Octapharma, as the major sponsor of this event also organised a varied programme of activities and prize competitions for families attending the congress. Children with haemophilia gathered to meet and play with clowns and cartoon characters. Octapharma also provided a fun and interactive educational session where children and their families were able to learn more about haemophilia through dialogue with the “Octa-mouse”!

Throughout the 3 days of the meeting (July 31st-August 2nd) delegates learned of the great strides that have been taken in improving haemophilia treatment in Mexico. The use of cryoprecipitate has largely been replaced with virus-inactivated concentrates such as Octanate, and many centres are moving towards routine prophylaxis and home care.

“Every person should have the right to live a normal life and prophylaxis should be encouraged and offered equally to all patients in every country”

Raul Pérez-Bianco
Fundación de la Hemofilia
Argentina
With the commitment of the Haemophilia Federation under the excellent leadership of its President: Arq. Martha Monteros de Hernández, and the support of other stakeholders such as the Mexican government, clinicians, industry and most of all patients and their families - the future for people with haemophilia in Mexico looks bright.

© Octapharma AG, 2003