World Hemophilia Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Hemophilia

World Haemophilia Day is annually observed on April 17. The purpose of this day, which is dedicated to those with haemophilia, is to raise awareness and assist them have a better future. Haemophilia is a rare disorder in which the blood cannot clot correctly due to an insufficiency of blood-clotting proteins. Currently, World Haemophilia Day is observed worldwide to enhance diagnosis and access to specialised treatment. World Haemophilia Day aims to bring together individuals with bleeding disorders from around the globe.

The background of World Hemophilia Day

Haemophilia was identified in the 10th century when physicians became interested in individuals, primarily men, who bled profusely after minor injuries. It was previously known as Abulcasis. Due to technological limitations at the time, a comprehensive investigation into the illness was not feasible. Numerous notable historical figures, notably European royals, are believed to have suffered from haemophilia. Aspirin was administered, further thinning the hemophiliac’s blood and exacerbating their symptoms.

In 1803, Dr. John Conrad Otto of Philadelphia began a more comprehensive investigation of the individuals he termed “bleeders” and discovered that it was a genetic condition transmitted from healthy mothers to boys. In 1926, Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand published a paper describing ‘pseudohemophilia,’ a bleeding disorder that effects both men and women equally. Eventually, the condition was named Von Willebrand Disease in his honour. In 1957, Inga Marie Nilsson and her associates at the Malmo University Hospital in Sweden discovered that the disease is caused by insufficient or deficient levels of Von Willebrand factor. 1937 saw the classification of haemophilia into two categories, A and B.

Although there is currently no cure for haemophilia, the disease can be managed by injecting coagulation factors on a regular basis to reduce spontaneous bleeding episodes. World Haemophilia Day was established by the World Federation of Haemophilia in 1989, and April 17 was chosen to honour the birthday of the organization’s creator, Frank Schnabel. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, as well as to collect funds for those who cannot afford treatment.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HAEMOPHILIA

Haemophilia is an inherited genetic disorder passed from mother to offspring.

Haemophilia C is considered less hazardous than haemophilia A and haemophilia B, and individuals with haemophilia C do not require regular intravenous administration of clotting factor.

Due to the manner in which the disease is transmitted genetically, it is extremely uncommon for women to be born with it, and it primarily affects males.

Clotting factor tests, also referred to as factor assays, are necessary for diagnosing a bleeding disorder and determining the severity of haemophilia.

One in every 5,000 boys is affected by haemophilia A, one in every 25,000 boys is affected by haemophilia B, and one in every 100,000 boys is affected by haemophilia C.

WORLD HEMOPHILIA DAY DATES