World Hemophilia Day observed on April 17 with the theme Diagnosis: First Step to Care

Key facts

• World Hemophilia Day is observed globally every year on April 17 to raise awareness about inherited bleeding disorders.
• The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2026 is Diagnosis: First Step to Care.
• The day was established in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to commemorate the birth anniversary of its founder, Frank Schnabel.
• Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in genes responsible for producing clotting factors, specifically Factor VIII for Hemophilia A and Factor IX for Hemophilia B.
• The condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning it primarily affects males while females typically serve as carriers.
• According to the WFH, over 75% of hemophilia patients globally still lack a formal diagnosis.
• In India, the Initiative on Haemophilia Care X (IHC X) conference was convened in New Delhi to advance the standard of care in the country.
• The IHC X conference was held under the theme advancing care, empowering lives, and transforming the future of haemophilia.
• Medical experts at the conference highlighted the transition from plasma-based treatments to advanced therapeutic options like clotting factor concentrates and preventive prophylaxis.