Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Strengthens Partnership with Guyana’s Hemophilia Treatment Center
The Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders (LCBCD) recently deepened its collaboration with Guyana’s Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) as part of a groundbreaking twinning project in partnership with the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). Through this initiative, several of the Center’s top specialists traveled to Georgetown, Guyana, to share expertise and offer vital educational support to healthcare professionals in the region. The project is a significant milestone in improving care for individuals with bleeding disorders in Guyana.
The LCBCD team, led by Dr. Maissaa Janbain, Director of the Center, conducted several educational sessions during their visit to enhance Guyanese healthcare professionals' capacity to diagnose and manage hemophilia. This partnership focuses on bridging the gap in access to treatment, resources, and specialized care for patients suffering from hemophilia in the developing healthcare landscape of Guyana.
“We are honored to collaborate with the World Federation of Hemophilia and the dedicated team in Guyana to help establish a sustainable hemophilia treatment center,” said Dr. Janbain. “Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve care for patients living with bleeding disorders. This partnership represents a critical step in addressing the unique challenges faced by those with hemophilia in Guyana, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to provide comprehensive care for all affected individuals.”
During the trip, Constance Thibodeaux, LCBCD’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker Manager, and Kenneth Martin, the Center’s Physical Therapy Manager, were instrumental in providing training on the social and physical health aspects of hemophilia. Thibodeaux observed the significant lack of resources and services available to patients, particularly the absence of social workers trained to assist individuals with bleeding disorders.
“It was eye-opening to see the dedication of the Guyanese medical staff in the face of limited resources. The experience reinforced the importance of collaboration in helping patients manage their conditions, even in the most challenging environments,” Thibodeaux said.
Martin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the innovative approaches used to manage joint and muscle bleeds despite the absence of diagnostic ultrasounds.
“The resilience of healthcare professionals and patients in Guyana was truly inspiring. Sharing knowledge and helping build a sustainable treatment model aligns with Tulane’s mission to extend care to communities both locally and globally,” Martin said.
The twinning project, supported by a grant from the World Federation of Hemophilia, marks a crucial moment in Guyana’s ability to provide treatment for previously underserved hemophilia patients. Through continued collaboration, LCBCD and Guyana’s HTC hope to improve access to essential care and build a long-lasting, effective healthcare system for people with bleeding disorders. Those who attended include Dr. Janbain, Thibodeaux, Martin, and Nicole Reynaud, Hemophilia Healthcare Services Manager.
For more information about the project or LCBCD’s ongoing initiatives, please contact Derek Amaya, Marketing and Communications Specialist, at damaya@tulane.edu or (504) 988-3662.
