4.5/5
World Hemophilia Day: April 17th
World Hemophilia Day: April 17th
World Hemophilia Day, observed every year on April 17th, is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. Established in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), this date honors the birthday of the organization's founder, Frank Schnabel, a Canadian who lived with hemophilia and envisioned a better world for those with similar conditions.
What Is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder in which the blood lacks sufficient clotting factors, proteins that control bleeding. As a result, people with hemophilia bleed longer after an injury, and in severe cases, may experience spontaneous internal bleeding, especially into joints and muscles. The two most common types are:
-
Hemophilia A: Caused by a deficiency of factor VIII.
-
Hemophilia B: Caused by a deficiency of factor IX.
These conditions primarily affect males due to the way the gene is inherited, although females can be carriers and sometimes experience symptoms.
Why World Hemophilia Day Matters
Despite advances in medical science, access to diagnosis and treatment for bleeding disorders is still limited in many parts of the world. World Hemophilia Day aims to:
-
Raise global awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
-
Promote early diagnosis and access to care.
-
Support patients and families with education and resources.
-
Encourage government and health systems to invest in better care and treatment facilities.
Millions of people worldwide live with undiagnosed bleeding disorders, facing pain, disability, and even life-threatening complications.
Theme for 2025
Each year, World Hemophilia Day is celebrated with a different theme that focuses on various aspects of patient care and awareness. While the theme for 2025 may vary, past themes have included “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”, emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable treatment for all patients.
Global Events and Activities
On April 17th, people around the globe participate in events such as:
-
Educational webinars and workshops
-
Blood donation drives
-
Social media campaigns using hashtags like #WorldHemophiliaDay
-
Illuminating landmarks in red, the official color of the campaign
-
Patient support group meetups and storytelling sessions
3 likes |
0 comment
