The Department of Haematology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), joined the global community in commemorating World Haemophilia Day on April 17, 2025. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria.

Haemophilia is a lifelong, inherited bleeding disorder in which one of the essential clotting factor proteins is either partially or completely absent, leading to prolonged or spontaneous bleeding.

The theme for this year’s event, “Women and Girls Bleed Too,” focused on raising awareness of bleeding disorders among females, a group often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Activities for the celebration took place at the Rivers State Teaching Hospital and Rivers State University, with special visits to the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics Departments. These visits aimed to sensitize women who may be unknowingly living with severe bleeding disorders and to educate mothers on how to recognize early signs of haemophilia in their children, given its hereditary nature.

Since haemophilia cannot be cured but can be managed, awareness was created around factor replacement therapy, which helps patients control bleeding episodes effectively. In line with its mission, the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria provided free treatment to individuals affected by bleeding disorders, offering much-needed support to patients and their families.

The celebration also extended to the Medical College of Sciences, Rivers State University Rivers State University Teaching Hospital – RSUTH , where further awareness and educational outreach were conducted to engage future medical professionals in the management and advocacy for haemophilia care.