World Hemophilia Day 2023 observed on 17th April

World Hemophilia Day is celebrated every year on April 17th to honor the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, who established the World Federation of Hemophilia.

World Hemophilia Day 2023

World Hemophilia Day is celebrated every year on April 17th to honor the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, who established the World Federation of Hemophilia. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness and provide information about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a rare medical condition where the blood fails to clot correctly due to the lack of specific clotting factors. This leads to prolonged bleeding, which can be hazardous and life-threatening in some situations.

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World Hemophilia Day 2023: Theme

The theme for World Hemophilia Day in 2023 is “Access for All: Partnership, Policy, Progress – Engaging Governments to Integrate Inherited Bleeding Disorders into National Policy”. This theme highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, in ensuring access to appropriate care and treatment for individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The theme also emphasizes the need to integrate these conditions into national policies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of these disorders.

World Hemophilia Day: History

World Hemophilia Day is annually observed on April 17 to honor the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia, Frank Schnabel, on his birthday. The World Federation encourages people around the globe to illuminate in red as a symbol of solidarity with those affected by hemophilia. The initial goal of celebrating World Hemophilia Day in 1989 was to advocate for better diagnosis and accessible care for people with hemophilia. This occasion aims to create awareness among individuals and caregivers about hemophilia and other blood-related disorders.

What is Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is an uncommon medical condition where the blood is incapable of clotting correctly because of a shortage of specific clotting factors. This leads to prolonged bleeding, which can pose a life-threatening risk in some cases. Although there is no known cure for this disorder, available treatments can help control and manage the condition.

What causes Hemophilia?

Whenever an individual experiences bleeding from either an internal or external wound, the body initiates a response by collecting blood cells to create a clot, thereby stopping the bleeding. The process of clotting involves the interaction of blood proteins with platelet-like cells. However, when there is a deficiency in a clotting factor, hemophilia can develop. Hemophilia can either be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired).

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hemophilia is abnormal or excessive bleeding or bruising, although the presentation of symptoms can vary among individuals with the condition. As per the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), indications and signs of hemophilia may include: