Context:
World Hemophilia Day was recently observed to raise awareness about the rare blood disorder and help those suffering from it lead a better life.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Introduction
- World Hemophilia Day 2023
- What is Hemophilia?
- Conclusion
Introduction:
- Hemophilia Day is observed annually on April 17th by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to raise awareness about this genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot.
- The day is named in honor of Frank Schnabel, a lifelong advocate for those affected by hemophilia.
World Hemophilia Day 2023:
- The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023 is “Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care.”
- This theme emphasizes the importance of providing access to effective treatment and care for all individuals with hemophilia, regardless of where they live or their financial status.
What is Hemophilia?
- Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots.
- People with hemophilia have deficiencies or abnormalities in certain clotting factors, which are proteins that help the blood clot.
- Causes: Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change in one of the genes that provide instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of hemophilia can vary depending on the level of clotting factors. Common symptoms include prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries, spontaneous bleeding, and easy bruising. Males are much more likely to have hemophilia than females.
- Treatment: The primary treatment for hemophilia involves replacement therapy, which involves infusing clotting factor concentrates into the bloodstream to help the blood clot. Other treatments may include medications to promote clotting or surgery to repair damage caused by bleeding.
Conclusion:
- Hemophilia is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.
- World Hemophilia Day helps to raise awareness about this rare genetic disorder and the importance of access to effective treatment and care for those affected by it.
-Source: Indian Express
