World Hemophilia Day

Last updated Nov. 26, 2024, by Susie Strachan
Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD

World Hemophilia Day, observed each year on April 17, is a global awareness day dedicated to hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.

It was established by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to increase awareness about hemophilia, a condition that affects the blood’s ability to clot. Approximately 1 in 10,000 people globally have some type of the disease.

One of the goals of World Hemophilia Day is to educate, share information, and raise awareness about life with hemophilia, including the issue of access. But it’s also about finding support, community, and available resources.

The theme each year changes to reflect current issues in the bleeding disorders community, but it also focuses on unity, research, and advocacy to help those worldwide who are living with hemophilia.

When is World Hemophilia Day?

World Hemophilia Day is celebrated annually on April 17, which is the birthdate of the organization’s founder, Frank Schnabel, who had severe hemophilia A.

Schnabel started the WFH in 1963, guided by the idea of strength in numbers. According to the WFH’s website, “He believed that patient organizations could be much more effective — and do more to represent the interests of people living with bleeding disorders — if they worked together.”

Each year, World Hemophilia Day has a different theme related to countering the challenges of the disease and making improvements in the management of hemophilia.

The focus of World Hemophilia Day 2025 is “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too.” This year’s day is bringing attention to the need for equitable access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and care for anyone affected by bleeding disorders, regardless of gender.

Although hemophilia is less common in women than in men, it still affects many women. According to the WFH, females with hemophilia historically have been underdiagnosed and underserved, but increased awareness is leading to positive changes.

How long has World Hemophilia Day been running?

For more than 30 years, World Hemophilia Day, which the WFH established in 1989, has been raising awareness about living with hemophilia, improving access, and fostering a global community among those affected by the condition.

Past themes have included “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders” and “Access for all: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care.”

On World Hemophilia Day and throughout the year, the WHF and its global network of national member organizations advocate for people with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in more than 150 countries.

How to get involved with World Hemophilia Day

One way to make a difference in hemophilia advocacy is by joining local events, sharing stories on social media, or contributing to WFH efforts through donations or volunteer work.

You can stay up-to-date on World Hemophilia Day campaigns and events by following announcements from national hemophilia organizations including the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, and the Hemophilia Federation of America.

Check the WFH list of international member organizations for the hemophilia organization nearest you.

Hemophilia treatment centers may also have information on World Hemophilia Day events.

Another way to get involved includes participating in online discussions and campaigns by using hashtags like #WorldHemophiliaDay. Sharing personal stories and educational posts or raising awareness through social media also can help spread the message.

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