What You Need to Know About Hemophilia Day

Tap to Read ➤ World Hemophilia Day is held each year on 17th April to raise awareness on hemophilia and other blood disorders. The event is held on the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, founder of World Federation of Hemophilia in 1963. ziffytech

World Federation of Hemophilia, started in 1963, celebrates the advances made in treatments, raises awareness and highlights issues related to hemophilia or other blood disorders.

It educates people about disease management and lobbies for enhanced medical treatment.

The organization has over 113 members and is recognized by WHO. The theme of World Hemophilia Day 2020 was “Get+involved” to ask everyone to help the organization with its theme “treatment for all” at global and community level.

The World Federation of Hemophilia would like everyone from patients, their families and caretakers to corporate partners, volunteers, and people who support National member organization to get involved to increase knowledge about different inherited blood disorders and the need to improve patient care around the world.

With COVD-19 threat, World Federation of Hemophilia encouraged people to move the celebration online. Participants were encouraged to write stories, post experiences on social media, and share posters and other materials with their community.

In India, various events were organized across the country by the Indian Hemophilia Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Usually, on this day, medical facilities are provided to the needy, and awareness about hemophilia is given through events and programs.

It is an inherited disorder in which blood does not clot properly. This can cause spontaneous, excess bleeding after an injury or surgery. Your blood has blood-clotting proteins that help to stop bleeding. What is Hemophilia?

People with this disorder have lower levels of factor VIII (factor 8) or factor IX (factor 9). Lower level of blood clotting protein increases probability of bleeding, leading to serious health problems. There are two types of hemophilia.

Hemophilia A is more common, caused by low levels of factor VIII. Hemophilia B occurs in 20% cases and is caused by lower levels of factor IX. The symptoms of hemophilia can vary from mild to severe. People with severe hemophilia can bleed for no reason or have “spontaneous bleeding”.

In children, symptoms may occur at 2 years of age. Common symptoms include excess bleeding from cuts or injury, large bruises, painful or swollen joints, blood in stool or urine, and nose bleeds. Most forms of hemophilia are inherited and caused by a genetic defect. Acquired hemophilia is a rare condition.

Only 20000 patients are registered under the Hemophilia Federation of India, over 1.5 lakh are not registered until diagnosed. It is estimated over 80% of Indians with hemophilia and other blood disorders remain undiagnosed. India has over 2 lakh cases and is estimated to have the second-highest number of global patients with Hemophilia A.

There is no known cure for hemophilia. If condition remains undiagnosed repeated bleeding in joints and muscles can lead to arthritis, permanent bone deformity, synovitis, muscle atrophy. Diagnostic centers throughout the country can help with early diagnosis of the disorder.

There are various treatment options to help patients lead a better life. Visit us to know more at ziffytech .