World Hemophilia Day

World Hemophilia Day is observed every year on April 17th to raise awareness about hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder that affects about 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. The day was first observed in 1989 and was established by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery, as well as internal bleeding that can be life-threatening. Hemophilia primarily affects males, and there are two main types: hemophilia A, which is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, and hemophilia B, which is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX. On World Hemophilia Day, the WFH and its member organizations around the world raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with hemophilia and their families, as well as the advances in treatment and care that have improved the lives of those affected by the disorder. The day is also an opportunity to advocate for better access to treatment and care for people with hemophilia, as well as to support research into new treatments and a potential cure for the disorder.