About bleeding disorders

One in 5,000 boys is born with blood that doesn't clot in the right way. They suffer from hemophilia and are at risk of internal bleeding, joint damage and disability.

In poorer countries, many children born with hemophilia die young. Even if they are fortunate enough to grow up, they often have grave disabilities and deformities. They also risk catching deadly infectious diseases.

Von Willebrand Disease is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting as many as 1 in 100 people. Women experience the severest symptoms. Many women have heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged bleeding after childbirth. Misdiagnosis is often a problem, with thousands of women worldwide undergoing unnecessary hysterectomies.

Finding a cure for these and other bleeding disorders is still a long way away. What we can do now is help people get better treatment no matter where they live. Your participation in Global Feast will help educate families, train healthcare workers, and provide hope to people in need.

Click here for more information about bleeding disorders.

© Copyright World Federation of Hemophilia 2010