"Embracing Care and Courage on World Haemophilia Day"
- Dr Vivek Viswanathan
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As we marked World Haemophilia Day on April 17, 2025, I find myself reflecting on the resilience of the children and families I meet in my practice as a pediatric urologist and minimal access surgeon at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara. Haemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder, may not be a daily encounter in my surgical world, but when it crosses my path, it leaves a lasting impression—a reminder of the strength it takes to live with this condition and the critical role we play in supporting these young warriors.
Understanding Haemophilia Through a Surgeon’s Lens
Haemophilia, characterized by deficient or dysfunctional clotting factors (most commonly Factor VIII or IX), turns routine injuries or surgeries into complex challenges. For a pediatric urologist, this means approaching procedures like circumcisions, hypospadias repairs, or minimally invasive surgeries with meticulous planning. Every incision, no matter how small, requires collaboration with hematologists to ensure adequate factor replacement therapy and prevent bleeding complications.
In my practice, I’ve seen how haemophilia affects not just the body but the spirit of a child. A simple tumble in the playground can lead to painful joint bleeds, and the fear of bleeding can sometimes keep kids from the carefree joys of childhood. Yet, I’m continually inspired by their courage and the unwavering support of their families.
The Power of Awareness and Advances in Care
This World Haemophilia Day, themed around “Access for All” (as celebrated in recent years by the World Federation of Hemophilia), reminds us to advocate for equitable access to treatment. In India, where access to factor replacement therapies and comprehensive care centers can be limited, especially in rural areas, awareness is our greatest tool. As a surgeon, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of timely interventions—prophylactic factor infusions, for instance, can reduce joint damage and allow children to lead more active lives.
Minimally invasive techniques, a cornerstone of my practice, also hold promise for children with haemophilia. These procedures, with smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, can reduce bleeding risks compared to traditional open surgeries. However, they demand precision and a deep understanding of the child’s clotting profile, underscoring the need for specialized training and multidisciplinary care.
A Call to Action: Support, Educate, Empower
As a pediatric surgeon, my role extends beyond the operating room. It’s about empowering families with knowledge—how to recognize a bleed, when to seek care, and how to advocate for their child’s needs. On this day, I urge our community to:
Educate: Learn about haemophilia and share resources. Simple awareness can help schools, coaches, and neighbors support children with this condition.
Support: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the Haemophilia Federation of India, which work tirelessly to provide treatment and support.
Celebrate: Honor the resilience of children with haemophilia. Their ability to face daily challenges with a smile is nothing short of heroic.
A Personal Reflection
I recall a young patient, a 7-year-old with haemophilia A, who needed a laparoscopic procedure for a urological issue. His parents were understandably anxious, but with careful coordination—factor infusions timed perfectly, a minimally invasive approach, and close postoperative monitoring—we sent him home smiling, with minimal complications. Moments like these remind me why I chose this field: to make a difference, one child at a time.
This World Haemophilia Day, let’s commit to building a world where every child with haemophilia has access to the care they deserve. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, courage, and hope.
Follow my journey in pediatric surgery on https://www.drvivekviswanathan.com and join me in spreading awareness about haemophilia. Share this post, tag a friend, or drop a comment to show your support!
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