Maria Elaine Hernandez 
Forget April fools, because April’s all about serious business!
According to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), one of the three sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder, passed on from mothers, which affects the blood’s ability to clot. The World Hemophilia Federation estimates that roughly 10,000 Filipinos grapple with hemophilia, while approximately 1 million contend with Von Willebrand disease and assorted bleeding disorders.
This month, let us set aside the pranks and focus on what truly matters: awareness. With the theme, “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders,” we are called to action. This celebration isn’t just about acknowledging the existence of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders; it’s about recognizing the challenges faced by individuals and families living with these conditions every day. More importantly, despite the advancements in treatment, there is still no cure found up until this day.
This sobering reality emphasizes the critical need for continued advocacy, research, and support. Together, let’s create a world where access to treatment and care is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all individuals living with bleeding disorders.
