World Haemophilia Day

In News: World Haemophilia Day is celebrated on April 17,2021.

About World Haemophilia Day

World Haemophilia Day is celebrated on April 17 every year since 1989.
This year is the 30th edition of World Haemophilia Day.
To honour Frank Schnabel, his birthday April 17 has been chosen as World Haemophilia Day .
This year’s theme ‘Adapting to change; sustaining care in a new world’.
Day observed for bridging together the communities suffering with global bleeding disorder.
Day creating international awareness of haemophilia and inherited bleeding disorders.
This day also helps in raising funds for the patients who cannot afford to have the treatment of haemophilia.

Haemophilia

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder.
In this rare blood disease blood clotting proteins that are clotting factors are lacking or insufficient in blood.
When one is injured, blood clots normally, but in case of haemophilia a person may bleed for a longer time.
Internal bleeding is life-threatening as it may damage organs and tissues also.

There are three types of haemophilia:

Haemophilia A- Lack of blood clotting factor VIII is more common and this happens in 80 per cent of the cases.
Haemophilia B- Lack of factor IX
Haemophilia C- Lack of clotting factor XI

Causes of haemophilia

Caused by genetic mutation which involves genes that code for blood clotting proteins.
13 different proteins termed; Factor I through Factor XIII are the clotting factors.

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH)

Is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with hemophilia and other genetic bleeding disorders.
It educates hemophiliacs and lobbies for improved medical treatment.
75% of people in the world with bleeding disorders do not know it and do not receive care.
The WFH was established by Frank Schnabel in 1963 and has its headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
It has member organizations in 113 countries and official recognition from the World Health Organization.