The South African Haemophilia Foundation supports patients, families and healthcare professionals through education, advocacy, and community programmes.
Understanding Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders are conditions that affect the body’s ability to form blood clots. The most common inherited bleeding disorders are Haemophilia A, Haemophilia B, and von Willebrand Disease (VWD).
Haemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII. It is the most common form of haemophilia and mainly affects males. People with Haemophilia A may experience prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgery, or spontaneous joint bleeds.
Haemophilia B is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX. It is less common than Haemophilia A but presents similar symptoms, including prolonged bleeding and joint bleeds. With proper treatment, individuals can manage the condition effectively.
Von Willebrand Disease occurs when the body lacks enough von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps blood clot. It affects both males and females and is the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
Rare and Ultra-Rare Bleeding Conditions
While haemophilia and von Willebrand disease are the most widely recognised inherited bleeding disorders, several rare and ultra-rare bleeding conditions can also affect the body’s ability to stop bleeding.
These disorders occur when one of the proteins or cells involved in blood clotting does not function correctly. In many cases, this means a specific clotting factor is missing or defective, or the platelets that help form blood clots do not work properly.
Although rare, these conditions can cause significant bleeding symptoms and require specialised care from healthcare professionals experienced in managing bleeding disorders.
Patients are often treated at Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) where multidisciplinary teams provide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Making a Difference
Our Impact Across South Africa
+14 Treatment Centres
+ 3200 Diagnosed Patients
+50 Years Supporting Patients
+9 Provinces Supported
How we help our Community
Patient Support
Providing support, education, and guidance for individuals and families living with bleeding disorders.
Healthcare Training
Working with healthcare professionals to improve treatment and clinical knowledge.
Advocacy
Advocating for better access to treatment and healthcare services across South Africa.
Find an HTC Near You
SAHF works with treatment centres across South Africa to ensure patients receive proper care.
