Financial toxicity of hemophilia care in Southeast Asian countries Editorial


Authors: Antonio, J. M. 2nd; Wang, S.; Ting, F. I. L.; Vallente, J. R.; Dee, E. C.; Feliciano, E. J. G.
Title: Financial toxicity of hemophilia care in Southeast Asian countries
Abstract: Hemophilia is a rare, chronic bleeding disorder with high treatment costs that pose significant economic challenges, particularly in many countries of Southeast Asia (SEA), where disease burden is disproportionately high. In this commentary, we explore the drivers of financial toxicity (FT) in hemophilia care across SEA. We identify key contributors including inadequate health insurance coverage, reliance on unstable humanitarian aid, geographic disparities in care access, and cultural factors that place financial and emotional strain on families. Despite some policy efforts—such as universal health coverage and national cancer control plans—systemic gaps in financing, infrastructure, and provider distribution persist. We propose actionable steps using the social ecological model of health to reduce FT at the individual, interpersonal, community, and policy levels, including expanded insurance coverage, decentralized care, telehealth access, financial navigation services, and public education. Addressing the multifactorial nature of FT is essential to improving quality of life and equity in care for patients with hemophilia in SEA. © 2025 The Authors
Keywords: controlled study; review; quality of life; health insurance; cancer control; cultural factor; hemophilia; southeast asia; humanitarian aid; telehealth; bleeding disorder; disease burden; human; financial toxicity; financial distress; universal health insurance; benign hematology
Journal Title: The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia
Volume: 38
ISSN: 27723682
Publisher: The Authors  
Date Published: 2025-07-01
Start Page: 100610
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2025.100610
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12205610
PUBMED: 40584693
DOI/URL:
Notes: Source: Scopus
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  1. Edward Christopher Dee
    259 Dee