The FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was attended by over 11.000 gynecologists. During the plenary session, FIGO Honorary Secretary, Gian Carlo Di Renzo, and the Chairman of the Committee for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health, Professor Gerard Visser, presented FIGO’s statement on the eradication of Rh disease.
As part of the “50 years of Anti-D” campaign”, Kedrion supported a symposium on Rh disease prophylaxis, celebrating the success in preventing the condition in much of the world; addressing the issue of how far we are from global eradication; and focusing discussion on current clinical practices in South America.
In pregnant women, Rh sensitization – arising from an Rh blood type mismatch between mother and fetus – can lead to Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), which is often fatal to fetus or newborn. Since 1968, this disease has been preventable, but lack of access to prophylaxis and limited awareness have resulted in more than 200.000 newborn deaths or lifelong brain disabilities every year, particularly in low- to middle-income countries.
According to the statement released on this occasion, FIGO is committed to “Improving the awareness of this disease and the treatment therapies available throughout the world and drawing attention to the critical issues that still exist”.
