Working with NHS Blood and Transplant

Did you know that a huge part of Kawasaki Disease treatment is immunoglobulin, a life-saving product made from donated blood?

We will be working with partners NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) throughout our International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day campaign to highlight the need for more UK people to donate plasma or blood, from which plasma is extracted, to make immunoglobulin – a medicine used in the treatment of Kawasaki Disease. Immunoglobulin helps stop the damage to the blood vessels of the heart which Kawasaki Disease can cause.

We’ll be working with NHSBT throughout January to help protect children’s hearts by taking part in events that will raise awareness of the need for more blood and plasma donations in the UK.

What will we be doing?

Releasing our newest awareness film!

We’ll be releasing a new film designed to raise awareness of Kawasaki Disease. Our film will highlight the importance of donating blood and plasma with people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage. Diagnosing children of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage can be difficult as some of the symptoms like rash and reddened hands or feet can appear differently, or be less visible, making them more difficult to spot. The treatment for Kawasaki Disease may work less well for children of African or Caribbean heritage leading to a higher risk of lasting heart damage, making quick diagnosis SO important. Around 100 children of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage are affected by Kawasaki Disease in the UK each year, making them two and a half times more likely than expected to be affected. It’s really important that we raise awareness of Kawasaki Disease – so raising awareness with this group of people is especially important. Check back here soon to see the film! In the meantime – here’s a couple of sneaky snapshots to whet your apetite!

How can you help?

Donating blood or plasma can directly help children affected by Kawasaki Disease – if you’d like to find out more about blood or plasma donation, click here to go to the Give Blood website.