From HAE Mozambique

In recognition of hae day :-), HAE Mozambique was invited to speak on a national TV platform on May 22, 2025. During a 30-minute live segment on STV’s morning show Manhãs Alegres – one of the most-watched programs in Mozambique – we discussed the basics of HAE, its symptoms, and what it’s like living with a rare disease in the country.

Our patient lead, Daniella Assa, shared her personal journey with HAE, alongside the work that HAE Mozambique has been doing to raise awareness, identify patients, and promote access to treatment. We also invited the public to reach out to the organization if they suspect they may have HAE or would like to get involved with our cause.

During the interview, Daniella also made a public appeal to the Ministry of Health to support ongoing efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare for patients with rare diseases in Mozambique.

The program is available to watch here, in Portuguese.

Following this appearance, we received three calls from individuals suspecting they may have HAE. These cases were referred to our doctors for further evaluation. Additionally, two people reached out with interest in volunteering for the cause – a very encouraging outcome.

Due to the positive public response, Daniella was invited for a longer, more in-depth interview on STV’s Vidas em Directo, a show that highlights real-life stories from across the country. This interview was recorded on June 7 and aired on June 11. It generated substantial public interest in HAE and the work being done by our member organization.

In the one-hour segment, Daniella discussed her diagnostic journey, the challenges of living with a rare disease, and the emotional impact of her experience. She closed the interview with a heartfelt message of solidarity, emphasizing that people with HAE are not alone – and highlighting the community support made possible through HAEi’s efforts globally.

As a result, we received more than 10 calls. Working in collaboration with our local doctors, we have since begun testing and clinical investigations for at least three suspected patients.

Daniella shared that her LEAP educational experience has significantly improved her understanding of media engagement and the power of building strong relationships with journalists for advocacy purposes. While awareness of HAE in Mozambique remains limited, the interest sparked by these interviews has been incredibly motivating for our team.