Building a Stronger Foundation for Care
Last month from the 21-23 February, we had our Strategic Planning Weekend, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the country. The goal? To create a roadmap for ensuring better access to treatment, stronger advocacy, and improved healthcare systems for people living with bleeding disorders in South Africa.
With expert insights from Mr. Brian O’Mahony Chief Executive of the Irish Haemophilia Society, facilitators Inez and Angie from SuccessPoint Consulting, and the generous support of the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation and Roche, we had in depth discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and priorities for the next three years.
As an organisation, we know that planning for the future is crucial, and this weekend was about ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals have the best possible tools, resources, and support to improve care across the country.
Five Strategic Pillars Guiding the Future
We structured our discussions around five key strategic pillars that will shape SAHF’s work moving forward:
1. Organisational Development & Excellence
To grow sustainably, SAHF must strengthen its internal structure, ensure succession planning, and build a strong network of volunteers. A key focus will be empowering new leaders while maintaining SAHF’s legacy of advocacy and patient support since 1970.
2. Comprehensive Access to Care
South Africa has treatment centres in major cities, but access remains a challenge for many patients, especially those in rural areas. This pillar focuses on ensuring that all people with haemophilia and bleeding disorders receive the treatment they need, regardless of where they live or their financial situation.
3. Stakeholder Relationships
Collaboration is key. We are committed to strengthening partnerships with government, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patient organisations to ensure that the best possible care is available for all.
4. Rural Outreach & Diagnosis
The biggest challenge and opportunity for improvement is reaching undiagnosed patients in rural communities. Many people suffer unnecessary pain and disability due to a lack of access to diagnosis and treatment. SAHF will focus on rural outreach programs, healthcare worker training, and leveraging mobile health solutions to close this gap.
5. Advocacy & Awareness
For years, the same dedicated advocates have fought for improved care. Now, it’s time to grow this movement. We must empower more voices to advocate for policy changes, patient rights, and better treatment availability. Advocacy will also focus on ensuring government accountability and improving funding for bleeding disorder care.
A Roadmap from 2025 and Beyond
The finalised Strategic Plan document will be published on our website once it has been reviewed and approved by SAHF’s Executive Committee.
A special thank you to Mr. Brian O’Mahony for his invaluable insights and contributions during the planning weekend. His global expertise in haemophilia advocacy and patient care has provided SAHF with key strategies to strengthen our organisation and expand our impact.
This strategic planning activity was made possible by unrestricted grants from Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation and Roche Products South Africa
