Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too

Celebrated for the 31st time this year, World Hemophilia Day was first celebrated on April 17, 1989, established by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to honor the birthday of its founder, Frank Schnabel. This day has become an opportunity to raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders globally.

World Hemophilia Day 2025 will be observed under the theme “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too.” This theme highlights the urgent need for improved diagnosis and treatment for girls and women with bleeding disorders, who often remain underdiagnosed and underserved.

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or malfunction of clotting factors—proteins in the blood essential for normal coagulation. Individuals with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding, which can occur spontaneously or after an injury. There are two main types: hemophilia A and hemophilia B.

Historically, hemophilia has been perceived predominantly as a male condition, leading to significant misunderstandings about its impact on women and girls. Many of these individuals can experience symptoms, yet they often remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness.

This year’s World Hemophilia Day emphasizes the need to recognize that women and girls are often overlooked in the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders. Despite having symptoms similar to men, they face significant barriers to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Lack of awareness among healthcare providers often results in missed diagnoses for women who carry the hemophilia gene.

To address these challenges, the bleeding disorders community must increase awareness and education about hemophilia in women and girls. Advocacy for policy changes is crucial to secure resources for proper treatment and support. Additionally, building support networks through treatment centers and local organizations can help connect women facing similar challenges, providing essential assistance.

World Hemophilia Day 2025 serves as a powerful call to action for the global community. By prioritizing the needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders, we can ensure they receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve.

In line with this purpose, MAHAK has always strived to develop a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system in the last 34 years, ensuring that every child has access to life-saving diagnosis and treatments. Whether it is a boy or a girl.