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World Hemophilia Day: Significance, progress and 3 ways to observe

World Hemophilia Day raises awareness, helps break barriers, and achieves treatment for all

The World Federation of Haemophilia (WHF) initiated World Hemophilia Day as an annual global healthcare occasion to be held on April 17 every year. The day is observed to advocate for improved treatment and care for people with hemophilia. World Hemophilia Day encourages better management and prevention of the condition by urging government authorities and local policymakers to take action.

Hemophilia is an uncommon medical condition that occurs due to improper clotting. Around 400,000 people across the globe are impacted by hemophilia, with a significant number of them lacking a proper understanding of their condition or access to necessary treatment. Due to its relatively low occurrence among the global population, many are unaware of the severity of hemophilia and its added challenges and risks to those affected by it. This is where the significance of World Hemophilia Day lies.

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Progress in hemophilia research

Until now, patients have received routine prophylactic infusions of factor IX replacement therapy to ensure sufficient clotting factor levels and prevent excessive bleeding. However, this treatment has been known to impose a considerable impact on the quality of life of hemophilia B patients, who must strictly adhere to lifelong infusion schedules.

Advancements in hemophilia research have brought about the possibility of removing the necessity for lifelong routine prophylactic treatments. Hemgenix, CSL Behring's one-time gene therapy for hemophilia B patients, received approval from the European Commission in February 2023, making it the first-ever gene therapy of its kind. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized it in November 2022.

3 ways to observe World Hemophilia Day

Support hemophilia research through donation

Contribute to the research efforts on hemophilia. Every little donation counts! You can donate directly to the organizations that are taking up the fight against Hemophilia.

Share your experience

Take the opportunity to share your personal story about how hereditary bleeding disorders have affected either yourself or someone you know.

Illuminate with red

Show your support for those affected by bleeding disorders and raise awareness on World Hemophilia Day by lighting up your home, business, or a local landmark with a red light. This gesture is a simple yet impactful way to show solidarity.