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. This means making home-based treatment available as well as prophylaxis treatment to help people with bleeding disorders to have a better quality of life.
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 in less well-resourced countries with their GAP and Twinning Programs and the Cornerstone Initiative. HFA is currently connected with the Myanmar Haemophilia Patient Association as a part of the WFH Twinning Program.
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.

We have many locations and landmarks over Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day. There are more to come, keep an eye out and share photos on our social media platforms.
ACT |
Telstra Tower |
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The Carillion |
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The Australian Mint, Deakin |
NSW |
Newcastle City Hall Clock Tower |
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Port Macquarie Town Square |
NT |
TBC |
QLD |
Brisbane |
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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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Maranoa |
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CBD Tree Lights, Maranoa |
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Rockhampton |
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Heritage Façade Council building |
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Stanthorpe |
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Stanthorpe Administration Building |
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Toowoomba |
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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 |
West Point Tower |
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Tasman Bridge |
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Festive Lights, Hobart
Launceston Town Hall |
VIC |
Ballarat Town Hall |
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Bolte Bridge |
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Drum Theatre Building, Dandenong |
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Geelong intersection Moorabool & Malop St Geelong |
WA |
Council House
Matagarup Bridge
Trafalgar Bridge |
Date last reviewed: 22 March 2023