Demographics of hemophilia in developing countries.

Demographic datasets pertaining to populations are extremely valuable tools in healthcare planning. They are vital in setting priorities, allocation of resources, measurement of outcomes, and comparison of alternate approaches. Countries with emerging economies especially need information regarding targeted populations when initiating programs designed to deliver care to persons with chronic conditions such as hemophilia. The problems associated with data collection in these countries are huge but surmountable. The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Global Survey provides a valuable synopsis of current global data on hemophilia patients and has provided insight into the extent of the problem with hemophilia worldwide. More and more countries recognize the uses of these data and have established or are in the process of establishing registries for persons with hemophilia to try and improve the quality of the information provided to the WFH. This information will most certainly assist in guiding the future of hemophilia care in these countries with emerging economies.