Living with a bleeding disorder is not easy. If you are home-bound, it may be easier because you have access to the necessary equipment around you. However, if you are travelling, it can pose a challenge and become difficult to deal with due to lack of immediate facilities.

Every year, World Haemophilia Day is observed on April 17 to raise awareness about the genetic blood disorder. It was first observed in 1989 on April 17 to honour Frank Schnabel, who founded the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) in 1963, on his birthday. The Canadian businessman, who suffered from severe Haemophilia A, helped many people suffering with the disorder and the day is marked to pay tribute to his efforts.

This year, the theme is ‘Equitable access for all: Recognising all bleeding disorders’. According to the WFH, it focuses on the need for access to care for people who have inherited bleeding disorders, regardless of its type, their gender, age or where they live. While the disorder is genetic, Mumbai doctors believe a lot can be done to treat it as well as keep it in check.