World Haemophilia Day 2023
Every year on 17 April World Haemophilia Day is recognised worldwide to increase awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. This is a critical effort since with increased awareness comes better diagnosis and access to care for the millions who remain without treatment.
World Haemophilia Day was started in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), which chose 17 April as the day to bring the community together in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday.
This year the international theme is “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”. The aim is to improve access to treatment and care with an emphasis on better control and prevention of bleeds for all people with bleeding disorders. Access to treatment prophylaxis given at home can greatly improve quality of life for people with bleeding disorders.
Did you know, WFH estimates that over 65% of people living with haemophilia worldwide have not yet been identified and diagnosed.
The World Federation of Hemophilia, with the support of volunteers from around the world, does remarkable work to improve access to diagnosis, treatment, care and support for people with bleeding disorders.
Haemophilia Foundation Australia is a WFH member organisation and many Australian volunteers have been involved with WFH programs. HFA has supported many programs over the years and participated in the WFH Twinning Program and various committees that work to achieve the objectives of WFH.
In Australia, our community is fortunate to have access to a range of treatments, care and services. During recent times, some new haemophilia therapies available in Australia have led to fewer or no bleeds and greatly improved the quality of life of those who have been able to use them. We look forward to more novel therapies in the future for everyone.
Share your story
Discover stories about how bleeding disorders have affected people and their loved ones and share your own on the WFH Share Your Story page.
Share your Story
World Haemophilia Day Activities
Get everyone involved in raising awareness for World Haemophilia Day with the print-at-home colouring in sheet, or test your knowledge of bleeding disorders with the quiz. You can also update your profile picture on social media to show your support.
Colouring in Sheet
WHD Quiz
WHD Profile Picture
WHD Profile Picture Frame (transparent background)
Light it up Red
We had many locations and landmarks over Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day. Thank you to everyone who sent in your photos.
| ACT |
Telstra Tower |
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The Carillion |
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The Australian Mint, Deakin |
| NSW |
Newcastle City Hall Clock Tower |
| |
Port Macquarie Town Square |
| NT |
Palmerston Recreation Centre |
| QLD |
Brisbane |
| |
Breakfast Creek Bridge, Newstead |
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Brisbane City Town Hall |
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Gateway Bridge |
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Ipswich Civic Centre |
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King George Square |
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Kurilpa Bridge |
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Parliament House, Brisbane |
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Reddacliff Place sculptures |
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Sandgate Town Hall |
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Story Bridge |
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Treasury Casino, Brisbane |
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Victoria Bridge |
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Water Towers |
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Wickham Terrace Car Park architectural wall |
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Cairns |
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Court House Gallery |
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Mackay |
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Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building |
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Library Kiosks |
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Maranoa |
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CBD Tree Lights, Maranoa |
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Rockhampton |
| |
Heritage Façade Council building |
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Stanthorpe |
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Stanthorpe Administration Building |
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Toowoomba |
| |
Victoria Bridge |
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Townsville |
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Central Park Boardwalk |
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George Roberts Bridge |
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Little Fletcher Bridge |
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Old Magistrates Court House |
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Townsville Sign |
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Victoria Bridge |
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Wharton Reef Lighthouse |
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Warwick |
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Town Hall Warwick Clock Face |
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Warwick Town Hall roof lights |
| SA |
Adelaide Oval |
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The new Riverbank lighting feature |
| TAS |
Wrest Point Tower |
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Tasman Bridge |
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Festive Lights, Hobart
Launceston Town Hall |
| VIC |
Ballarat Town Hall |
| |
Bolte Bridge |
| |
Drum Theatre Building, Dandenong |
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Geelong intersection Moorabool & Malop St Geelong |
| WA |
Bell Tower
Council House
Mandurah Bridge
Matagarup Bridge
Trafalgar Bridge |
Date last reviewed: 22 March 2023