King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh supports Arab World celebrations of International Hemophilia Day sponsored by Sobi in the Middle East

A regional online seminar organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh brought together 19 prominent experts and specialists of Hematology. The online event’s main goal was to create awareness on the challenges that affect bleeding disorder patients during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It also showcased the solutions that could allow patients to maintain their health while demonstrating preventive methods that could help protect them from the virus. The seminar took place during the Arab World’s celebration of International Hemophilia Day in cooperation with several partners including World Federation of Hemophilia, Saudi Society of Hemophilia, and UAE Genetic Disease Association, the event was sponsored by Sobi Middle East.

The seminar saw a large audience of close to 600 participants which included Hemophilia patients and their respective families. The several speakers that spoke during the event gave the audience a series of information and health tips that can help patients deal with their illness in a better way and to advance through their days with confidence & positivity. This included daily practices that help keep patients vibrant, assist in conserving their general health, and allow them to stay in shape. The information narrated was especially vital during the preventive measures currently taking place in the region against the Coronavirus.

The speakers during the seminar included Dr. Mohamad Al Shahrani, President of the Saudi Society of Haemophilia. It also included several doctors from King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh and these were: Dr. Hazazz Azahrani Consultant Adult Hematology/HSCT, and Adult Hematology section head. Dr. Mahasen Alsaleh, Consultant Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Pediatric Hematology section Head ; Dr. Zikra AlKhayal, Consultant Pediatric Dentist; Mahmoud Abu-Riash, Senior Clinical Specialist; Hala Abu Aish, Physical Therapist; Hanan Al-Mutairi, Senior Dietitian.

In commemoration with this occasion, Dr. Mahasen Alsaleh, Consultant Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Pediatric Hematology section Head atKing Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, clarified  “Keeping the doctor in contact with the patient enables them to re-impose the role of preventive treatment to avoid dangerous bleeding, which may require an urgent visit to the hospital, and thus the exposure to the Coronavirus.”

“This awareness seminar presented an important opportunity to educate patients and their families about measures to prevent bleeding and reduce exposure to the virus, and thus avoid frequent visits to emergencies. Also, we worked to clarify the factors that contribute in reinforcing the blood clotting process so that the patient avoids recurrent visits to the hospital," Dr. AlSaleh added.

From his side, Dr. Hazazz Azahrani Consultant Adult Hematology/HSCT, and Adult Hematology section head at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center stated that “With concerted efforts, we concluded the awareness day which was fully dedicated to patients with Hemophilia. Educational topics and important guidelines, and easy explanations on bleeding disorders were discussed.” Dr. Al-Zahrani added “I would like to express my admiration to how educated our patients are, to their extensive reading and their aspirations for the advancements that are taking place in treating bleeding disorders which was evident during the seminar when we answered the questions of patients and their families.”

Dr. Zahrani concluded, “A big thank you goes to everyone that has contributed or helped in any way to arrange this event & continuously supported patients with Hemophilia, specifically to Dr. Mohamad Hamad Al Shahrani, Dr. Mahasen Saleh and our colleagues at Sobi Middle East.

Ahmed Abu Dahab, VP at Sobi Middle East, said that “The great success of this unique online seminar is due to the ability of primary care providers to reach patients and their families on the emotional, psychological, social and educational level.” Also commenting on the seminar, Dr. Mohammed El Sharkawy, Business Unit Director at Sobi Middle East, said that “This webinar has spread wide on social media, especially among Hemophilia patients and their families, as it is the only event so far that connects patients together across 18 Arab countries.”

The audience viewing the webinar expressed their utmost admiration for the rich content provided, voiced their appreciation of the specialists, as well as invited the increased use of  digital platforms to communicate with health-care providers who specialize in Hemophilia; this reduces the challenges they face while helping them avoid any unexpected complications. The seminar concluded with speakers answering questions the participants had.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is recognized as one of the best healthcare institutions in the Arab region. We have achieved this unique position by adopting a culture of excellence in healthcare delivery systems. The hospital seeks to provide the highest levels of health care and the best patient experience in an integrated educational and research environment.