Blood Diseases Month in the Philippines: A Time to Act and Understand

Last Updated on 02/18/2026 by Helal Medical

In the Philippines, blood diseases remain among the significant health challenges affecting Filipinos. From anemia to leukemia, many Filipinos suffer silently from disorders that, when neglected, can lead to serious complications or death. Each year, September is observed as Blood Diseases Month in the Philippines. The aim is to raise awareness, strengthen advocacy, and mobilize action.

Understanding blood diseases, early detection and proper management could save lives. Keep reading to learn more and take action.

In this article, we will explore common blood diseases. We will also cover symptoms and management. We will focus on the Philippine context.

Blood Diseases Month: September

In 2009, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1833, s. 2009, officially declaring September as Blood Diseases Month. Under the proclamation, the Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency. It collaborates with the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT) and other relevant groups. Together, they coordinate programs to heighten public knowledge and understanding of blood-related disorders.

The proclamation noted that three major types of blood conditions contribute significantly to the disease burden. These are leukemia, anemia, and various bleeding disorders. These conditions impact the country’s health infrastructure. It further emphasized that nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors increase the incidence of blood diseases. This requires intensified efforts in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Why Does Blood Diseases Month Matter?

Because Blood Diseases Month in the Philippines raises vital awareness about conditions like leukemia and anemia. Increased awareness encourages more people to donate blood and support research, offering hope to those affected.

High incidence and mortality

In the Philippines, estimates suggest that around 12,000 new cases of blood cancers are diagnosed each year. This is a high number. It reflects the significant prevalence of blood cancers in the country. These include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This is equivalent to roughly 33 Filipinos every day. These numbers are significant. They highlight the prevalence of blood cancers in the country. These include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This is equivalent to roughly 33 Filipinos every day.

Leukemia prominence

Among blood cancers, leukemia is particularly concerning. In 2025, the DOH highlighted that leukemia ranks 8th in morbidity and 5th in mortality among cancers in the country. BusinessMirror

Shortage of blood supply

Many procedures for cancer treatment, surgeries, or complications require blood transfusions. Hospitals often struggle with blood product shortages. For example, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) have run donor drives to replenish their supply. Philippine Information Agency+1

Advocacy and policy gaps

In 2024, stakeholders convened the first-ever Blood Cancer Patient Forum. The forum’s theme was “Kanser sa Dugo, Laban ng Bawat Pilipino”. Their goal was to push for better access to care. They aimed for policy reform and enhanced patient support systems. Manila Standard+1

Future infrastructure plans

A Senate bill (S.B. No. 2584) has been filed to establish a Philippine Blood Disease and Transfusion Center. It aims to bring specialized care, hematology labs, and stem cell transplant capabilities under one roof.

What are the Common Blood Diseases?

Below is a summary of common blood-related disorders that deserve attention during Blood Diseases Month:

These disorders illustrate how blood health intersects with nutrition, genetics, environment, and healthcare access.

How Can Filipinos Help?

Below are some concrete ways individuals, communities, and institutions can contribute:

1. Donate blood regularly
   This is perhaps the most powerful act. Blood banks and hospitals are frequently short of supply. Walk-in donors and organized blood drives save lives. For instance, EPCALM and other foundations partner with hospitals to hold donation events. Manila Bulletin
2. Educate your community
   Use social media, local barangay forums, and school programs. Raise awareness about blood diseases, their symptoms, and early diagnosis. During September, many organizations run webinars and forums.
3. Support advocacy groups
   Groups like the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines advocate for better policies. Patient support organizations also strive to provide necessary assistance. epcalmfoundation
4. Advocate for structural reform
   Push for passage and funding of initiatives like the proposed Blood Disease and Transfusion Center. Work with local officials to integrate screening programs in rural health units.
5. Support patients
   Offer emotional support, help with transportation, and direct them to financial assistance programs (e.g. DOH, PCSO, cancer assistance funds). Many patients face high out-of-pocket costs.

DOH Programs & Assistance

The DOH aims to mitigate the burden of blood cancers. To improve access, it has integrated adult blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) into the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF). They have also included these cancers in the Cancer and Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP), providing assistance and subsidized medicines. Department of Health

The government observes World Leukemia Awareness Month in September. It uses this period as a platform to amplify messages on blood diseases. BusinessMirror

“Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” Initiative

In February 2022, Takeda Philippines launched the "Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma" initiative. This project collaborates with groups like the Philippine Cancer Society, Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, and Lymphoma Philippines to:

• Offer free testing (e.g. CD30 assays) to detect lymphoma early
• Conduct public education campaigns
• Create partnerships for improved patient access to treatment Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Such collaborations exemplify how private sector, medical societies, and civil society can converge in public health efforts.

Realities and Challenges in the PH Context

• Access disparity:
  Rural and remote communities often lack hematologists, diagnostic labs, or transfusion facilities. Timely diagnosis and treatment may require traveling long distances.
• Cost barriers:
  Many treatments, such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, or targeted therapy, are expensive. Some patients cannot sustain long-term care due to financial constraints.
• Data gaps:
  Lack of a centralized national registry for blood diseases hampers epidemiological planning. That’s why initiatives like BLOOM Philippines (a hospital-based blood cancer registry) were launched at the 2024 patient forum. the Asianparent Philippines
• Blood supply logistics:
  Even in urban centers, matching blood types and ensuring component availability pose logistical challenges.

Moving Forward: What to Expect

• Continued advocacy for blood disease infrastructure (e.g. the proposed transfusion center) will likely gain more traction in Congress and public discourse. epcalmfoundation
• Patient-centered forums, policy dialogues, and health tech (chatbots like Lymphoma) will help bridge information gaps. the Asianparent Philippines
• Private–public partnerships (e.g. drug companies, NGOs) may expand free testing, support programs, and awareness campaigns across the archipelago.

Conclusion

Blood Diseases Month in the Philippines is not just a date on the calendar; it serves as a reminder. Blood health affects every Filipino, directly or indirectly. The fight against blood disorders spans from anemia in vulnerable populations to aggressive blood cancers in urban centers. It demands education, policy support, resource mobilization, and compassion.

As September each year rolls in, let us all commit to:

• Sharing accurate information
• Donating blood without hesitation
• Supporting patients and advocacy efforts
• Pushing for reforms that bring quality hematology care to every barangay

SUMMARY

Blood diseases are a concern in the Philippines. Understanding these diseases is crucial. Prevention and early detection are key. Lifestyle changes and medical care help. Support Blood Diseases Month in September. Raise awareness and take action. Knowledge empowers you to protect your health.

To learn more about blood diseases, you can visit the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion [website]. These resources explain their symptoms and treatments. You can also read up on blood cancer statistics from Global Cancer Observatory / WHO.

Together, we can turn awareness into action—and give hope and healthier lives to Filipinos affected by blood diseases.

SOURCES

• https://www.lls.org/article/september-blood-cancer-awareness-month
• https://www.eaglenews.ph/september-is-blood-diseases-month/