World Hemophilia Day 2025: Not just men, even women and girls are vulnerable to bleeding disorders

The theme of World Hemophilia Day 2025 is "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too". While awareness around hemophilia is growing, women and girls continue to be overlooked, often suffering in silence due to systemic gaps in diagnosis and care. Experts believe it is a wake-up call for India.

Here are 5 urgent challenges India needs to confront to make hemophilia treatment truly equitable:

Recognising that women bleed too:

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Hemophilia has long been seen as a man's disease, but women and girls are equally vulnerable to bleeding disorders. However, their symptoms often go unrecognised. “Women with bleeding disorders face a double stigma,” explains Dr Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Aakash Healthcare. “Their symptoms are brushed off as normal menstrual issues, and even the medical community is slow to diagnose,” he says.

According to Dr Dikshit, regular screening during gynecological visits and better education among healthcare workers could change this narrative.

• Bridging the diagnosis gap: 

India has the second-highest number of people with hemophilia globally, an estimated 136,000 cases. Yet only about 21,000 are officially registered, says Dr Dikshit. “The underdiagnosis is alarming. Without early detection, patients miss out on preventive care, leading to irreversible complications. Expanding access to diagnostic tools, especially in rural areas, is key,” he adds.

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• Making preventive care the norm:

In most developed countries, around 80-90 percent of hemophilia patients receive prophylactic treatment, regular therapy to prevent bleeding episodes. In India, only 4 percent do. “We must shift from reactive, on-demand treatments to preventive care,” urges Dr Sweta Lunkad, Consultant Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Jupiter Hospital, Pune. “Innovations like Emicizumab are game-changers, but they must be made accessible and affordable,” she adds.

• Investing in gene therapy: 

Groundbreaking progress is happening at home too. Researchers at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore have successfully conducted gene therapy for Hemophilia A. Five patients have remained bleed-free after the treatment. “Gene therapy could be a one-time, life-changing solution for patients. It’s a huge leap for the future of hemophilia care in India,” says Dr Arushi Agarwal, Consultant Pediatric Hematologist & Oncologist, Asian Hospital.

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• Prioritising awareness, police action:

Treatment alone isn’t enough. India needs a robust national strategy involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient groups, says Dr Lunkad. “Awareness must start at every level, from doctors to school health programmes. Only then can we ensure no one is left behind,” he adds.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.