World Hemophilia Day 2025: The theme is “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”

This year, on April 17, 2025, the World Hemophilia Day is being observed with the theme “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”

The theme is meant to raise the awareness that the world over the women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) continue to be underdiagnosed and underserved and stress the need for intensified efforts to bring about a change in the situation. It is being stated that it is through recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and care, the quality of life of women and girls will the bleeding disorders will improve.

Proclaimed by 'World Federation of Haemophilia' (WFH), the observance highlights that there are around 440,000 people with haemophilia worldwide who require medication, education, support and care. The burden of Haemophilia is the second highest in India after the USA.

it needs to be understood that Haemophilia inherited genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots and increased risk of bleeding inside joints or the brain.

At this time there is no cure for hemophilia. However, very expensive treatment of gene therapy and liver transplants have shown some promise.

" Since 1989, patient groups worldwide have annually marked World Haemophilia Day on 17 April to raise awareness and understanding of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The date was chosen in honour of the World Federation of Hemophilia founder Frank Schnabel, who was born on that day," holds WFH .

The main symptoms of the disease are as follows.

• Blood in stool

• Blood in urine

• Joint pain

• Large or deep bruises

• Swelling at joints

• Unexplained bleeding

"The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill - 2016" in India recognises blood disorders such as Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell disease as one of the 21 recognized disabilities. Those with 40% and above disability are eligible for Disability Certificate to avail governmental benefits in many countries.