Haemophilia
Why it Matters?
Haemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factors. India has only 20% diagnosed cases due to low awareness and limited facilities. Prophylaxis, regular clotting factor replacement, is a modern approach to prevent bleeds, joint damage, and disability, improving quality of life.
What You Should Know?
Haemophilia is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or absence of clotting factors.
Its symptoms include prolonged bleeding, spontaneous internal bleeding in joints/muscles, easy bruising.
Untreated bleeds can cause permanent joint damage, disability, or life-threatening haemorrhage.
Haemophilia is included in the National Rare Diseases Policy 2021 for improved access to treatment.
Haemophilia A is caused by deficiency or absence of Factor VIII (clotting factor).
Accounts for ~80–85% of all haemophilia cases worldwide.
Haemophilia B is caused by deficiency or absence of Factor IX (clotting factor).
Accounts for ~15–20% of haemophilia cases.
Also called Christmas Disease.
Its Global prevalence is ~1 in 10,000 people.
Estimated Indian cases are 1–1.5 lakh, but only ~29,000 diagnosed (~20%).
India has the second-highest number of haemophilia cases after the US