Every year on April 17, the world unites to mark World Hemophilia Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about bleeding disorders and supporting those living with them. This global movement, led by the World Federation of Hemophilia, aims to amplify voices, foster understanding, and advocate for better care and access for everyone affected.
2025 Theme: Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too
This year’s theme places a spotlight on a critical, often overlooked truth: bleeding disorders are not exclusive to men. Women and girls can and do experience the symptoms and challenges of hemophilia and related conditions. Despite this, they are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to long-standing gender biases in healthcare.
Now, more than ever, it's time to break the silence and ensure equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and support for every individual—regardless of gender.
What is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly due to a lack or absence of certain clotting factors—proteins necessary to stop bleeding.
It’s estimated that over 1.1 million people worldwide live with a bleeding disorder, including hemophilia.
Symptoms:
- Prolonged bleeding
- Easy bruising
- Joint pain and swelling
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (in women)
Types:
- A – Missing factor VIII
- B – Missing factor IX
- C – Missing factor XI (less common)
Debunking the Myths
- Women can be affected, not just men.
- Hemophilia isn’t contagious.
- Internal bleeding—not minor cuts—is the real risk.
- Active lives are possible with proper care.
Managing Hemophilia
Advancements in treatment have significantly improved quality of life for people with hemophilia. Common management options include:
- Replacement Therapy: Infusions of clotting factors
- Non-Factor Therapies: Innovative medications that aid clotting.
- Gene Therapy: Emerging treatment offering potential long-term solutions.
Supportive care is also vital:
- Pain management, physical therapy, and joint care
- Treatment of inhibitors (antibodies that block clotting factors)
- Mental health and emotional support
What You Can Do
- Light up landmarks in red
- Share stories using #WorldHemophiliaDay
- Support research and advocacy.
Together, let’s create a future where no one is left behind—especially women and girls living with bleeding disorders.
