World Hemophilia Day 2021: World Hemophilia Day is an international awareness day for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. It is held annually on April 17, the date of the birthday of Frank Schnabel, founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia.
Since 1989, World Hemophilia Day is the day the whole bleeding disorders community comes together to celebrate the continuous advances in treatment while raising awareness and bringing understanding and attention to the issues related to proper care to the wider public.
World Hemophilia Day 2021: Theme
The theme of 2021 World Hemophilia Day is Adapting to Change, sustaining care in a new world.
World Hemophilia Day is about bringing the global bleeding disorders community together. With the COVID-19 pandemic having a major impact on people with a bleeding disorder, that objective has never been more important. The world has changed greatly over the last year, but one thing hasn’t: we are still in this together.
Why Is It Important To Observe World Hemophilia Day?
According to WFH, more than 315,000 people across 116 countries were reported to be suffering from hemophilia in 2017. Despite being a rare disease, hemophilia is claiming a lot of lives worldwide. Lack of awareness about this rare yet fatal condition is leading to delayed diagnosis which, in turn, is increasing the death toll. That is why it is important to inform people about hemophilia.
This is the task that WHF aims to accomplish every year on World Hemophilia Day. Spreading the word about bleeding disorders and their treatment options can save many lives and prevent the birth of hemophilic babies. If you are hemophilic or your partner is a carrier, consult a genetic counselor before planning a baby. This will help you make the right decision.
How Is World Hemophilia Day Celebrated?
People all around the globe celebrate this day by organizing conferences, workshops, and events to spread awareness about hemophilia and its treatment modalities. Also, celebration activities include lighting up the global landmarks in red.
Types of hemophilia
Hemophilia A – It is a more common type of hemophilia. It is due to deficiency of clotting factor VIII (factor eight).
Hemophilia B– It is less common, only about 20% of people with hemophilia have hemophilia B. There is a deficiency of clotting factor IX (factor nine) in hemophilia B.
