World Hemophilia Day is a global healthcare awareness event celebrated annually on April 17, initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). The day not only honors the birthday of Frank Schnabel, founder of the WFH, but also serves as a call to action for governments, healthcare authorities, and policymakers to ensure better treatment, prevention, and care for individuals living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
What is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a rare, severe, inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or malfunction of clotting factors—primarily Factor VIII (Hemophilia A) and Factor IX (Hemophilia B). These proteins are essential for proper blood clotting, and without them, even minor injuries can result in prolonged or spontaneous bleeding.
The condition is X-linked, meaning it’s carried on the X chromosome. As a result, males are more commonly affected, while females are typically carriers. There’s a 50% chance that a son born to a carrier mother will have hemophilia, and a 50% chance that a daughter will be a carrier. Though rare, females can also experience symptoms, particularly related to menstruation and childbirth.
World Hemophilia Day Theme 2025
The World Hemophilia Day 2025 theme is “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too“. This theme emphasizes the need for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for women and girls with bleeding disorders, who are often underdiagnosed and underserved.
Themes of World Hemophilia Day Through the Years:
- 2024 – Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders
- 2023 – Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care
- 2022 – Access for All: Partnership. Policy. Progress
- 2021 – Adapting to change: sustaining care in a new world
- 2020 – Get involved to carry the motive of the WFH – Treatment for all
- 2019 – Outreach and Identification
- 2018 – Sharing knowledge makes us stronger
Why World Hemophilia Day Matters
In 2000, it was estimated that around 400,000 people worldwide—or 1 in 10,000 live births—were affected by hemophilia, with only 25% receiving adequate treatment. However, a 2019 meta-analysis revealed a much higher prevalence, estimating over 1.125 million men living with inherited bleeding disorders globally.
Despite medical advancements, only about 15% of the global population—primarily in high-income countries—has access to effective hemophilia treatment. In low- and middle-income nations, the lack of diagnostic facilities, factor concentrates, and trained professionals leads to high morbidity and mortality rates.
The 2025 observance marks the 31st anniversary of World Hemophilia Day, focusing on public engagement, advocacy, and government accountability to improve global access to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
A Brief History of Hemophilia and WFH
- 1989: World Hemophilia Day was first celebrated on April 17 to commemorate the birth of Frank Schnabel, a Canadian businessman and advocate who founded the World Federation of Hemophilia in 1963.
- 10th Century: The first documented cases of hemophilia appeared, with unusual male bleeding patterns noted and the condition referred to as abulcasis.
- 1803: American physician Dr. John Conrad Otto identified the condition as hereditary, passed from mothers to sons.
- 1937: Hemophilia was officially classified into Type A and B.
- Modern Era: Despite early reliance on anticoagulants (which worsened the condition), scientific progress has enabled clotting factor therapies and gene therapy research.
Conclusion
World Hemophilia Day shines a spotlight on inequities in care and urges global cooperation to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of access to proper treatment. It’s a day to stand in solidarity with the bleeding disorders community, raise awareness, and champion policy changes that could improve countless lives.