Hemophilia is an inherited disease in which the blood does not clot properly due to a defect in a gene that controls the production of a clotting factor.

This condition is caused by mutation or change in one of the genes that provides instructions for making clotting possible.

There are three types of hemophilia, type A, B and C

When bleeding occurs in the joints, it can cause progressive damage and pain.

If the bleeding is in the head, it can lead to seizures and paralysis.

Bleeding becomes fatal if it cannot be stopped, especially when it takes place in the brain or another vital organ.

Observance of World Hemophilia Day started in 1989 by World Federation of Hemophilia, WFH, and it chose 17th of April as day to bring the community together in honour of the founder, Frank Schnabel’s birthday.

The international campaign also highlights the importance of taking coordinated and converted actions to achieve FWH’s vision of treatment for all, focusing on the entire bleeding disorders community.

Moreover, through this avenue people with bleeding disorders could identify and connect with others thereby creating a social support group for them.

More importantly, the day helps to galvanize action to achieve global alliance for progress which was developed to improve diagnosis and treatment of people with bleeding disorders.

This will go a long way in closing the gap between developed and developing countries.

Statistics show that approximately four hundred thousand people worldwide are affected by hemophilia with not less than one hundred thousand cases in Nigeria.

In view of the foregoing, it is important to give attention to people in this condition considering the challenges the present  Covid-19 pandemic may be causing for them.

The theme for this year’s observance, “Adapting to Change” is apt therefore to encourage them to look into ways to make life safer in their daily activities.

Though medical diagnosis is required to identify the condition, symptoms may include joint pains, swellings, unexplained bleeding and blood in the urine or stool.

At this juncture, it must be emphasized that there are treatment options available for these class of people but so far there is no cure, it is therefore a lifelong disorder.

Taking responsibility for their lives is the only way to stay safe hence hemophiliacs should not engage in strenuous or dangerous activities.

Since healthier bodies bleed less, they should embrace healthy lifestyles which includes intake of foods rich in vitamin C such as green and red peppers, kiwi and strawberry,

They should avoid eating sweetened foods, fried and baked foods, full fat dairy products and heavy sauces.

Above all, having hemophilia is not the end of life, adopting positive approach to life and adapting to changes will help prolong life.

Anthonia Akanji

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