Manila City Council approves observance of Hemophilia Day on April 17

The Manila City Council approved on its 124th session Resolution No. 222 Series of 2024 supporting the observance of the Hemophilia Day on April 17.
Hemophilia Day is a practice being observed globally since 1989.
April 17 is the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, the founder of World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
The resolution was filed by Councilor Doc Louie Chua, aiming to raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
It also aims to provide assistance to Manila residents who are suffering from such bleeding disorder.
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. It is an inherited disease, which may lead to spontaneous bleeding in injuries or surgery.
People with hemophilia have low levels of factor VIII or IX or XI. These clotting factors are important to stop bleeding.
The intensity of the disease is dependent on the amount of factors in the blood of the person. The lower the amount, the higher the risk of hemophilia and serious bleeding may occur which can lead to more serious health problems.
The city council cited a study of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) entitled "Hemorrhagic diseases in Filipino Children" that there are two common types of the disease where uncontrolled bleeding occurs.
The WHF estimates that about 10,000 Filipinos have hemophilia.