For the treatment of a range of severe diseases (primary immunodeficiency, encephalitis, immune thrombocytopenia) in children, it is necessary to use a medication called Octagam, which, although registered in Armenia, is quite expensive and thus inaccessible for many families, especially considering that treatment can last for months, or sometimes even years. Octagam is made from the blood of healthy individuals and contains high levels of protective substances (antibodies). These help the body fight against numerous infections. Octagam therapy is vital and plays a significant role in the lives of many children with the below described diseases:
- Primary immunodeficiency is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal functioning of the immune system
- Encephalitis (including autoimmune) is a broad category of immune mediated, neuroinflammatory diseases, where antibodies are produced in various parts of the brain. It is particularly common in children and adolescents
- Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disease. The patient synthesizes antibodies against specific glycoproteins of platelets.
The cost of the implemented project is approximately 38,000,000 drams.
The number of beneficiaries is 20 children.
The project is being implemented ongoingly.