World Hemophilia Day is a holiday observed annually on April 17th, focusing on individuals with bleeding disorders. Also known as World Bleeding Disorders Awareness Day, this holiday aims to raise awareness about bleeding disorders, provide support for those affected, and promote the development of better treatments for these conditions.

Some people may observe this holiday simply by offering their support to a friend, family member, or coworker who has a bleeding disorder, while others may take a more hands-on approach to the day. Let’s take a closer look at this holiday.

The History of World Hemophilia Day

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) created this holiday in 1989. The date was chosen to honor the federation’s founder, Frank Schnabel, and it has been observed on this day ever since.

Some Important Facts About Bleeding Disorders

We wanted to delve deeper into the topic of bleeding disorders, so we conducted additional research for this article. What we uncovered is a constellation of facts that we believe will be of interest to anyone seeking to learn more about bleeding disorders.

• Some bleeding disorders are congenital, while others can develop over time.
• Hemophilia is the most widely recognized bleeding disorder.
• Bleeding disorders can affect individuals of any age.
• Approximately 33,000 people live with hemophilia in the United States.
• Common symptoms of hemophilia include nosebleeds, bruising, bleeding into joints, and prolonged bleeding from injuries and cuts.
• In the 1980s, 9 out of 10 people with severe hemophilia contracted HIV and/or hepatitis from contaminated clotting factors.

Observing World Hemophilia Day

On this day, individuals can observe World Hemophilia Day by wearing a red ribbon or simply wearing red, reaching out and offering support to someone with a bleeding disorder, and donating to organizations that research new treatments for hemophilia. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #WorldHemophiliaDay on social media.