A foundation to better care: Target product profile for haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease point‐of‐care diagnostics in low‐resource settings

Abstract

Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial in effectively managing haemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD).1,2 In haemophilia, delayed diagnosis or inadequate management can result in serious consequences such as life-threatening bleeding events leading to joint damage and disability, as well as the consequences of iron deficiency. Unfortunately, diagnosing inherited bleeding disorders faces significant challenges, particularly in low-resource settings. Shockingly, the global identification rate for haemophilia patients stands at only 31%, with the lowest rates observed in regions like Africa (8%) and Southeast Asia (17%),3 and the identification rates for other bleeding disorders, including VWD, are even significantly lower. Limited access to healthcare, inadequate medical infrastructure, inconsistent access to laboratory equipment and reagents, a scarcity of trained professionals, and premature death contribute to these low rates of identification...