From Javier Santana, HAEi RPA for Central America and Caribbean, for HAE Panama

Official HAE Treatment Guideline Launched

We are delighted to share that in August, the Ministry of Health of Panama (MINSA) held a press conference to officially announce the launch of the ‘Official Treatment Guideline for Patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE).’

These HAE Guidelines were only possible thanks to the coordinated effort between the Minister of Health, Dr. Boyd Galindo; Dr. Johnny Cuevas, coordinator of the Rare and Uncommon Diseases Program at MINSA; renowned specialist Dr. Olga Barrera Melcina; HAE Panama, and our RPA, Javier Santana.

During the press conference, MINSA authorities emphasized that this measure is part of Panama’s commitment to recognizing and addressing rare diseases, ensuring that all patients have access to adequate, equitable, and evidence-based medical care.

In the words of Dr. Olga Barrera Melcina, “This guideline represents a crucial step forward for Panamanian patients with HAE, who now have a clear, adapted, and medically and scientifically supported protocol.”

For his part, Javier Santana, HAEi RPA, highlighted the value of joint work and Panama’s commitment as an example for the region in the fight for visibility and access to treatment for rare diseases. “Thanks to the commitment of Panama’s Minister of Health to his people, Panama is now positioning itself as a leader in Central America on the issue of Hereditary Angioedema, alongside Costa Rica. We are confident that it will soon reach the level of countries like Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile in the Latin American region. We hope it becomes another center for training and research so that other countries in Central America can learn more about Hereditary Angioedema,” said Santana.

The new guideline establishes an updated clinical framework tailored to local needs, including protocols for early diagnosis, crisis treatment, preventive management, and comprehensive patient follow-up. Its implementation aims to significantly improve the quality of life of those living with HAE in Panama, as well as to strengthen the capacity of the healthcare system to address this condition effectively and in a timely manner.

In addition, we have seen new efforts from representatives of pharmaceutical companies to include their HAE medications in the government’s official procurement list.