Haemophilia Awareness Week takes place from October 10 to 16. It a observed every year during Bleeding Disorders Month. Haemophilia Awareness Week aims to raise awareness for inherited bleeding disorders. It is a rare genetic disorder when the blood doesn’t clot as it is supposed to, and the patient bleeds longer than usual. In such cases, the blood loss from an injury is also several times more. This occurs due to the lack of blood clotting proteins released when we sustain injuries. Although hemophilia isn’t fatal, it affects the lifespan of the patient by a small margin.
History of Haemophilia Awareness Week
Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that aggravates bleeding by preventing blood from clotting as it is supposed to. In such cases, the patients lack blood clotting proteins that help stop bleeding and heal wounds. However, the disorder doesn’t affect every patient uniformly. The severity of the disorder depends on clotting factors — this means those who have mildly reduced clotting factors will bleed only after surgery or severe injury. Furthermore, those with greatly reduced clotting factors will have to be careful even if they sustain a minor wound. They can even bleed for no apparent reason!
But how can one identify the symptoms of hemophilia? The symptoms generally include spontaneous or unexplained bleeding from cuts, injuries, and after surgery or dental work. Deep bruises, unusual bleeding after vaccinations, pain, swelling or tightness in the joints, blood in urine or stool, and nosebleeds without a known cause are common symptoms. Among infants, it can be characterized as excessive irritability.
The observation initially started as the Red Tie Challenge, and it has grown and evolved into a month-long celebration of the community of bleeding disorders. During Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, members, friends, and caretakers of the bleeding disorders community come together to raise awareness in order to improve the lives of those diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Bleeding Awareness Month and Haemophilia Awareness Week aim to make such disorders manageable by removing stigma and making healthcare accessible.
Haemophilia Awareness Week timeline
John Conrad Otto notices excessive and unusual bleeding patterns in some patients.
A hereditary bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia is discovered.
Judith Graham Pool discovers antihemophilic factors.
Gene therapy shows remarkable improvement in patients with hemophilia.
Haemophilia Awareness Week FAQs
When is World Hemophilia Day?
World Hemophilia Day is celebrated every year on April 17.
What is Hemophilia B?
Hemophilia B is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a lack of blood clotting factor IX. Without enough factor IX, the blood cannot clot properly to control bleeding.
What are the three types of hemophilia?
Hemophilia A is caused by a lack of blood clotting factor VIII; approximately 85% of hemophiliacs have type A disease. A deficiency of factor IX causes hemophilia B. And Hemophilia C is a term some doctors use to refer to a lack of clotting factor XI.
How to Observe Haemophilia Awareness Week
Spread the word
Talk about Haemophilia Awareness Week on your social media accounts. This will help more people join the observation and hopefully reach those who are in need of resources.
Donate to organizations
During Haemophilia Awareness Week, you can also donate to organizations and research centers that study bleeding disorders. In this way, you’ll be supporting medical sciences and helping make life easier for patients.
Share your story
If you or someone you know is struggling with hemophilia, you may want to share your story during Haemophilia Awareness Week. This is a way to build communities and extend your support to each other.
5 Facts About Blood That Will Blow Your Mind
Not every animal has red blood
Spiders, lobsters, and snails have blue blood due to the presence of the protein hemocyanin.
Pregnancy increases blood
There might be an increase in blood volume by 50%.
Blood contains gold
Only about 7.0 ounces of it.
Mosquitoes have preferences
They are more likely to bite those of the O blood group.
Red blood cells have no nucleus
All other cells in the human body have a nucleus.
Why Haemophilia Awareness Week is Important
It builds communities
Celebrations like Haemophilia Awareness Week and Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month build communities of patients and caretakers. These communities can support and care for each other.
It raises awareness
The most significant objective of Haemophilia Awareness Week is to raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. With adequate information, patients and caretakers can seek correct and timely treatment.
It makes you compassionate
Haemophilia Awareness Week makes us kind towards those who need some extra care. It makes us helpful and compassionate toward the needs of other people.
Haemophilia Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 10 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 10 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 10 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 10 | Wednesday |
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