The BusinessMirror Group of Publications inked a deal as media partner of Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP) for the upcoming World Hemophilia Day celebration to be held in Glorietta Activity Center on April 14.

This is the third year that the BusinessMirror group has supported HAP in raising awareness on hemophilia and related bleeding disorders. The deal was signed by Marvin Estigoy, BusinessMirror Vice President-Advertising Sales, and Andrea Trinidad, HAP president.

The event is co-organized with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. This year’s global theme is Reaching Out: The first step to care. Globally, it is spearheaded by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) based in Montreal, Canada.

Trinidad said there are around 10,000 Filipinos with hemophilia and approximately 1-million others with related bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand Disease.

However, figures from the 2017 WFH Global Report showed only a dismal 1,500 Filipinos have so far been registered. Globally, a total of 315,423 were registered in 2017.

Hemophilia and inherited bleeding disorders are a group of medical conditions where the blood does not clot. Its symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeds, unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries or after surgery or dental work; large or deep bruises; or unusual bleeding after vaccinations. Women with bleeding disorders may experience prolonged and heavy menstruation.

HAP sought the filing of the Bleeding Disorders Standards of Care Act of 2017 which aims to establish hemophilia treatment centers in key areas all over the Philippines and better access to treatment for persons with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders.

The upcoming event is also supported by Glorietta.