Haemophilia — A rare but manageable condition

  What is haemophilia?

Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot, leading to prolonged bleeding. This condition is mostly inherited and can cause severe bleeding even from minor injuries. Haemophilia is caused by a defect in the X chromosome, which is one of the two sex chromosomes that determine a person’s sex.

The genetics behind haemophilia: Why men are more vulnerable

The reason why men are more vulnerable to haemophilia than women lies in the genetics of sex determination. Men have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while women have two X chromosomes (XX). If a boy inherits a defective X chromosome, he is more likely to develop haemophilia since he doesn’t have a second X chromosome to compensate for the defect. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to be carriers of the condition, unless they inherit two defective X chromosomes, which is rare.

Global impact: A rare but significant condition

Haemophilia is a rare disorder worldwide, affecting approximately:

1 in 5,000 births (Haemophilia A)

1 in 20,000 births (Haemophilia B)

However, many cases go unreported, particularly in countries like India. According to the World Federation of Haemophilia’s Annual Global Survey 2017, India has one of the highest numbers of people living with haemophilia, with nearly 19,000 cases reported.

Treatment & management: Improving quality of life

While there is no cure for haemophilia, treatment options are available to manage the condition. Genetically engineered clotting factor medicines are used to prevent and treat prolonged bleeding. These medicines are given as an injection, and the frequency of treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Milder cases: Injections are usually given in response to prolonged bleeding.

More severe cases: Regular injections are given to prevent bleeding.

 This year’s theme: “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too”

The theme for World Haemophilia Day 2025 highlights the importance of access to care for women and girls with bleeding disorders. It emphasises the need for greater awareness and understanding of haemophilia in women and girls, who are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

By shedding light on this rare but manageable condition, we can work towards improving the lives of individuals with haemophilia and promoting greater awareness and understanding of this condition.