NNHF Community Award 2023
A lifelong dedication to improving haemophilia care in Madagascar
Professor Olivat Aimée Rakoto Alson has been impacting haemophilia diagnosis and care in Madagascar since 2001
Each year since 2010, the NNHF Community Award recognises persons who have shown exceptional voluntary engagement benefitting the haemophilia and allied disorders community in low- and middle-income countries. This year, among the 61 nominations received, Prof Rakoto Alson wins the award in recognition of her outstanding work.
Prof Rakoto Alson is a full professor of haematology and head of the haemophilia department at the University Hospital in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city. A dedicated partner and advocate to the haemophilia and blood disorders community since her specialisation in 2001, she helped create the patient organisation, ‘Association de Bien Être des Hémophiles de Madagascar’, enabling the country to receive treatment donations.
Prof Rakoto Alson is a full professor of haematology and head of the haemophilia department at the University Hospital in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city. A dedicated partner and advocate to the haemophilia and blood disorders community since her specialisation in 2001, she helped create the patient organisation, ‘Association de Bien Être des Hémophiles de Madagascar’, enabling the country to receive treatment donations.
A team effort
Before the first NNHF-supported project began in 2019, only a tiny percentage of people with haemophilia in the country were diagnosed. Today, several key milestones have been achieved to empower the haemophilia community and strengthen multidisciplinary care in Madagascar.
“Education is a powerful tool. When people understand that haemophilia is a disease that can be treated, they are less afraid to talk about their concerns and can be diagnosed in case of symptoms.”
Celebrating lasting impact in Madagascar
- 4 diagnostic centres created
- 192 people diagnosed with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders
- 165 doctors and 180 community health workers trained
- Multidisciplinary care every 2 months
Importantly, thanks to Prof Rakoto Alson’s leadership, the very first patient diagnosed with haemophilia in Madagascar is alive and in good health today.
