Bleeding Disparities: Understanding Our Health Together
Introduction:
Every year on World Haemophilia Day, which is celebrated on April 17th globally, we come together to advocate for women and girls affected by bleeding disorders. The United Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (DEPwD), supported by the Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) in Cuttack, among others, organizes awareness programs that aim to ensure equal access to care for all women and girls.
The Global Initiative:
World Haemophilia Day is not just about health; it’s a global movement for women. It serves as a day to protect against the increasing number of bleeding-related incidents in developing countries, where women often face barriers to accessing proper healthcare services. The initiative highlights that women make up 30-40% of affected populations and are at higher risk of complications like hemorrhoids, blood clots, and other bleeding issues.
2025’s Emphasis:
In 2025, DEPwD introduced the theme “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too,” emphasizing that women and girls who bleed too often face fewer access to care compared to men. This is crucial as the number of women affected by bleeding disorders continues to rise.
Details of Each Region:
- Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR): Focused on prevention and diagnosis through expert discussions.
- National Institute for Locomotor Disabilty (NILD): Hosted a program with patients and caregivers, showcasing the importance of early detection.
- National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR): Aimed at increasing awareness about the disorder through education, culture, and community events.
- Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Nellore: Conducted sessions on haemophilia prevention for nursing students and organized a blood donation camp.
- CRC Rajnandgaon: Celebrated with a donation camp, highlighting the impact of community support.
Activities:
- CRCs in Davangere, Jaipur, Tripura, and others hosted awareness programmes and webinars on ‘Haemophilia: Care and Rehabilitation.’ These events aimed to educate attendees about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- NIEPID’s regional center in Navi Mumbai hosted a webinar on the topic.
Impact and Education:
These initiatives aim to empower women by providing resources, training, and community engagement. They not only address the immediate need for care but also contribute to global efforts towards improving healthcare systems in low-income regions. The goal is to ensure that women have access to proper healthcare services, reducing their impact on society.
Conclusion:
World Haemophilia Day is a vital day for advocating for women’s health. Through initiatives like those organized by DEPwD and its institutions, we are making a meaningful difference in ensuring equal access to care. The theme “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too” underscores the importance of women being equally protected from bleeding disorders, highlighting the global impact of these efforts.
This blog will explore how these programs contribute to better health outcomes for women and girls around the world, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing bleeding disorders.