A. M. 
The Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano (FUSAL), in partnership with Direct Relief and SAHF, delivered a total of 2,773 Factor VIII vial kits to the Hospital Nacional Rosales and the Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom valued at over US$3 million.
Factor VIII is an essential medication for blood clotting in people living with hemophilia A, a genetic disorder that prevents proper blood clotting due to a deficiency of Factor VIII. This causes prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, even from minor injuries. Its cost, exceeding US$400 per unit, represents a significant barrier for many patients who need this key treatment to prevent the frequent bleeding as a characteristic of this congenital disease.
Hemophilia A exposes patients to constant risks of severe, even life-threatening, bleeding. To maintain as normal a life as possible, hemophilia patients depend on continuous doses of Factor VIII, as any bump, injury, or accident can pose a serious threat to their health.
Throughout its history, FUSAL has enjoyed the invaluable support of renowned international humanitarian aid organizations. This trust has been built through transparent management, timely accountability, and the efficient and consistent distribution of donations. Partner organizations recognize the Foundation’s ability to strategically channel their contributions in El Salvador. On this occasion, the donation was made possible thanks to the support of the international organization Direct Relief.
For 38 years, FUSAL, SAHF, and Direct Relief have maintained a steadfast commitment to the well-being of vulnerable populations, including hemophilia patients in El Salvador. Through its Humanitarian Aid Program, FUSAL has facilitated significant donations of essential medications such as Factor VIII and Factor IX, which are fundamental to the treatment of this condition.
In the last seven years, over US$21.5 million worth of this vital medication has been donated to improve the quality of life for hemophilia patients, representing a significant improvement in the lives of this population.
“At FUSAL, we are proud to continue working with Direct Relief and SAHF to support and strengthen access to timely treatment for hemophilia patients in El Salvador. This donation of Factor VIII demonstrates our ongoing commitment to patients facing complex conditions like hemophilia, and to strengthening the public health system in El Salvador”, commented Karla Segovia, executive director of FUSAL.
FUSAL was founded 38 years ago with its Humanitarian Aid Program, aiming to improve equitable and timely access to healthcare and to address humanitarian crises affecting vulnerable populations in the country.
As part of its humanitarian work, FUSAL also manages the international procurement of medicines, medical supplies, clothing, footwear, hygiene and personal care products, food, educational materials, wheelchairs, orthopedic supplies, agricultural equipment, and other essential items. This initiative is carried out in partnership with FUSAL’s sister foundation, the Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF), based in Miami, Florida.
For three decades, through its Humanitarian Aid Program and with the support of SAHF, the organization has channeled over $874 million in donations to hundreds of beneficiary institutions, both public and private, that respond to emergencies and assist salvadorans with illnesses such as hemophilia.
