Every year on 17 April, World Haemophilia Day is recognised globally to raise awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other 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 is an opportunity to raise awareness and provide education on bleeding disorders – including in women and girls – sharing stories from our community and encouraging everyone to come together in support of people with bleeding disorders.
Diagnosis: First step to care
In 2026 the global theme of Diagnosis: first step to care underlines the critical importance of diagnosis. Knowing you have a bleeding disorder and having an accurate diagnosis is essential as a first step in getting the right treatment, care and support.
The WFH estimates that more than three-quarters of people with haemophilia worldwide have not been diagnosed. Even more people with other bleeding disorders are also undiagnosed. This means hundreds of thousands of people globally are still missing out on basic care and support.
In particular, women and girls with bleeding disorders still face many challenges to receiving a diagnosis, delaying their access to diagnosis, specialised treatment and care. The greatest challenge is a lack of awareness – among health professionals, the women themselves and the general public.
This year, World Haemophilia Day is an opportunity for us to shine a light on the many people with bleeding disorders – including women and girls – who are still undiagnosed.
Light it up red
Around Australia, and the world, landmarks and buildings are lighting up red in support of World Haemophilia Day. Click your state or territory below for a list of locations (please note, locations are constantly being updated.)
- Canberra Times Fountain
- Light Rail Stops
- Royal Australian Mint
- National Carillon
- Morpeth Bridge, Maitland
- Albury Entertainment Centre
- Civic Centre Precinct Lights in the South Court, Orange
- Fountain in Robertston Park, Orange
- Goulburn Soldiers Club
- Newcastle Clock Tower
- Glasshouse Port Macquarie
- Manly Town Hall
- Civic Centre, Darwin
- Water Tower, City of Palmerston
- Frances Drive Light Pole, City of Palmerston
- Memorial Park Light Poles, City of Palmerston
- Palmerston Recreation Centre, City of Palmerston
- City of Palmerston Library
Brisbane
- Breakfast Creek Bridge Newstead
- Brisbane City Town Hall
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Government House
- Kangaroo Point Bridge
- King George Square
- Parliament House
- Reddacliff Place Sculptures
- Story Bridge
- Suncorp Stadium
- The Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge
- Victoria Bridge
- Wickham Terrace Car Park Architectural Wall
Bundaberg
- Fig Trees Walker Street
- School of Arts Building
Logan City Council
- Jacaranda Tower, Brookvale Dr Underwood
- Telfer Street Water Tower
- Wineglass Drive Water Tower
Moreton Bay
- Caboolture Administration Building
- Humpybong Creek Fountain
- Redcliffe Administration Building
- Scarborough Seat
Sunshine Coast
- Beerwah Meeting Place
- Caloundra Library
- City Hall Maroochydore
- Coolum Civic Centre
- Eddie De Vere Council Building Façade Nambour
- Kings Beach Fountain
- Landsborough Museum
Townsville
- Central Park Boardwalk
- George Roberts Bridge
- Little Fletcher Bridge
- Old Magistrates Court House
- Townsville Sign
- Victoria Bridge
- Wharton Reef Lighthouse
- Riverbank precinct pedestrian bridge lighting feature, Adelaide
- Adelaide Oval
- Kadina Town Hall, Copper Coast
- Parliament House, Adelaide
- Tasman Bridge
- Wrestpoint Casino
- Launceston Town Hall
- Leven River Bridge
- Box Hill Town Hall
- Moorabool & Malop St Intersection, Geelong
- Civic Centre Glen Waverley
- Bolte Bridge
- AAMI Park
- Old Treasury Building
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Frankston Arts Centre Flytower
- City of Kingston – Clock Tower, Moorabbin
- Monash Park Tree, Shepparton
- Mooroopna Water Tower, Shepparton
- Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton
- Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton
Perth
- Bell Tower
- Council House
- Great Northern Highway Port Hedland Interchange
- Joondalup Drive Bridge
- Kings Park
- Matagarup Bridge
- Mount Street Bridge
- Northbridge Tunnel
- Sky Ribbon
- Trafalgar Bridge (17th and 18th April)
Mandurah
- Mandurah Estuary Bridge
Bunbury
- Arrol Crane at Jetty Road
- Guppy Park
- Koolambidi Woola
- Koombana Bay Footbridge
- Koombana Bay Foreshore
- Marlston Hill Lookout
- Marlston Waterfront
- Navigators at the Koombana Drive roundabout
- Richmond Reserve
South Perth
- The Windmill
Show your support
Activities
Show your support for World Haemophilia Day with these fun activities.
All new questions and designs for 2026!
Posters
A3 posters perfect for your school or workplace.
All new designs for 2026!
Update your profile pic
Make a splash with a World Haemophilia Day profile pic for your socials.
All new design for 2026!
About World Haemophilia Day
World Haemophilia Day was started in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), choosing 17 April in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday.
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) vision of Treatment for All is for a world where all people with inherited bleeding disorders have access to care, regardless of their type of bleeding disorder, gender, age, or where they live. This April, let’s celebrate our community and continue working towards a world where everyone – with hemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease (VWD) or any other bleeding disorder – has access to diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care.
Did you know, WFH estimates that over 75% 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.