World Haemophilia Day 2025
📅 Observed On: April 17, Every Year
🔰 Introduction
World Haemophilia Day is observed annually on April 17 to raise awareness about haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders that affect millions of people around the world. This important health awareness day encourages public dialogue, health advocacy, and government commitment to address these lifelong conditions.
The date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
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World Haemophilia Day 2025 Theme
According to the World Federation of Hemophilia, the official theme for 2025 is:
“Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too”
This theme highlights the often-overlooked issue that women and girls also experience bleeding disorders, including haemophilia, but remain underdiagnosed and underserved in many parts of the world. It calls for greater awareness, equal access to diagnosis and care, and recognition of bleeding disorders in females as a serious health issue.
What is Haemophilia?
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot properly due to the absence or low levels of clotting factors. It leads to prolonged bleeding after injury, surgery, or even spontaneously, especially into joints and muscles.
Types:
- Haemophilia A: Deficiency of Factor VIII
- Haemophilia B: Deficiency of Factor IX
Though often thought of as a condition affecting males, females can be carriers and also experience symptoms, especially if they have low levels of clotting factors themselves.
Why Focus on Women and Girls?
- Many women and girls with haemophilia or von Willebrand disease go undiagnosed.
- Their symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, are often misattributed to other conditions.
- In many cultures, women’s bleeding disorders are underreported due to stigma, lack of awareness, or lack of access to proper testing.
The 2025 theme advocates for:
- Gender-inclusive healthcare
- Better education and outreach
- Comprehensive testing for all symptomatic individuals
History of World Haemophilia Day
- Founded by: World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH)
- First observed: 1989
- Significance: Celebrated on the birthday of Frank Schnabel (April 17), the WFH founder
Frank Schnabel envisioned a world where people with bleeding disorders would have access to proper care, irrespective of geography or gender.
🌐 Goals of the Observance
- Raise global awareness about inherited bleeding disorders
- Push for universal access to diagnosis and treatment
- Encourage inclusive healthcare systems
- Educate communities about symptoms and support structures
🏥 The Burden of Bleeding Disorders
Key facts:
- Over 400,000 people globally live with haemophilia
- Around 75% do not have access to adequate treatment
- Many women and girls suffer in silence due to lack of diagnosis
Other inherited bleeding disorders include:
- Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
- Factor deficiencies (I, II, V, VII, X, XI, XIII)
- Platelet function disorders
Diagnosis and Treatment
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Clotting factor tests
- Genetic testing
- Family history analysis
💉 Treatment:
- Replacement therapy (Factor VIII or IX)
- Prophylaxis to prevent spontaneous bleeding
- Gene therapy (emerging option)
- Hormonal therapy or antifibrinolytics for women with heavy bleeding
🗓️ Activities on World Haemophilia Day 2025
- Awareness campaigns online and in local communities
- Lighting landmarks in red to symbolize support
- Webinars and seminars by health organizations and hospitals
- Free diagnostic camps and public talks
- Social media hashtags: #WorldHemophiliaDay #WHD2025 #WomenBleedToo
🇮🇳 India and Haemophilia
India faces unique challenges:
- Thousands of undiagnosed cases
- Poor availability of factor concentrates in rural areas
- Lack of trained healthcare providers
Organizations like the Haemophilia Federation (India) work closely with WFH to improve outreach, diagnostics, and care.
World Haemophilia Day 2025 Quotes & Messages
“Access for all is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”
“Let’s raise our voices for the women and girls who bleed too.”
“Equity in diagnosis and care starts with awareness.”
