Every year on April 17th, World Haemophilia Day is marked to commemorate the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the creator of the World Federation of Haemophilia. This event is used to raise awareness and educate people about haemophilia and other bleeding-related conditions and to show support for those living with haemophilia and their families.What is HaemophiliaHaemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the bloods ability to clot. People with haemophilia have a deficiency in one of the blood clotting proteins, which can cause them to bleed excessively internally and externally. Hemophilia is usually inherited from a persons parents and primarily affects males. While there is no cure for haemophilia, it can be controlled with proper treatment and care.The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) founded World Haemophilia Day in 1989 to raise awareness about the condition and improve access to care for persons with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) is a global organisation dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by haemophilia and other bleeding disorders via research, education, advocacy, and support.The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023In 2023, the theme of World Haemophilia Day will be “Access for All: Partnership, Policy, Progress. Involving the Government and Integrating Inherited Bleeding Disorders into National Policy.”Every year, World Haemophilia Day has a different theme representing current difficulties and potential in haemophilia care. “Adapting to Change: Sustaining Care in a New World” was the theme for previous years during the pandemic. This theme highlights the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide and made access to care for persons with haemophilia more difficult.In response to these obstacles, the World Federation of Haemophilia and other groups attempted to modify their services and resources to meet the requirements of people with haemophilia during the pandemic. Many clinics, for example, have switched to telemedicine visits to limit the danger of COVID-19 exposure. The WFH has also created online materials to assist haemophilia patients and their families in managing their illnesses at home.Causes and symptoms for haemophiliaWhen a person suffers from internal or external wound bleeding, the body aggregates blood cells to form a clot to halt additional bleeding. The interaction of blood proteins with platelet-like cells promotes clotting. However, haemophilia can develop when a clotting factor is absent. Haemophilia can be congenital, which means it is present from birth, or acquired, which means it grows later in life.The significant symptoms of haemophilia are excessive or abnormal bleeding or bruising, though the appearance of symptoms varies among patients. Bleeding from the mouth and gums, prevalent nose bleeds, bleeding into the joints, bleeding after circumcision, blood in urine, and bleeding after vaccinations or other injections are all indications and signs of haemophilia, according to the National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD).Is it possible to treat haemophiliaA detailed medical history and physical examination will be performed on a patient suspected of having haemophilia by a healthcare provider. If the patient exhibits haemophilia symptoms, the healthcare provider may also question the patients family medical history. And conduct tests like Complete blood count (CBC) and Prothrombin time (PT) tests. Unfortunately, haemophilia has no cure, but it can be managed with proper treatment and care.Other challenges of a haemophilia patientWorld Haemophilia Day is a chance to commemorate the advances in haemophilia care over the last few decades. People with haemophilia can now live longer than ever, thanks to breakthroughs in treatment. There is still work to be done, however, to ensure that everyone with haemophilia gets access to the care they require.Access to treatment is one of the most difficult issues that persons with haemophilia experience. Haemophilia treatment is expensive and difficult to obtain in many parts of the world. Some countries lack the infrastructure and resources to offer sufficient care for haemophilia patients, and many haemophilia patients endure discrimination and stigma. The day is important to emphasise all these major concerns.
