17th April – World Hemophilia Day
Author and institutional affiliation: Yasiini Nuwamanya, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala. Correspondence: Tel: 256773120564, Email: ynuwamanya@uniph.go.ug
Every year on April 17, the world commemorates the World Hemophilia Day. The theme of the event this year is “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders”.
Hemophilia is usually an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly and mostly affects males.
It is estimated to occur in about 1 of every 5,000 male births. People with hemophilia have low levels of proteins called clotting factors that help to stop bleeding.
The disease can result in spontaneous bleeding within joints leading to chronic joint disease and pain, bleeding in the skin, head and brain which can cause seizures and paralysis. It can also lead to excessive bleeding following injuries or surgery.
Death can occur if the bleeding cannot be stopped or if it occurs in a vital organ such as the brain.
Patients with hemophilia are encouraged to get annual comprehensive checkups, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, treat bleeds early and adequately, and exercise and maintain a healthy weight to protect joints.
