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.
In 2024 the international theme is Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders. 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.
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 in less well-resourced countries with their GAP and Twinning Programs and the Cornerstone Initiative. For more information on their programs visit www.wfh.org .
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.
Leading into the day HFA will showcase stories recognising all bleeding disorders – keep a eye on our socials.
We are excited to have locations and landmarks in every state and territory in Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day.
Check our website for the list of locations in your area and share photos on our social media platforms.
For more information and locations, visit the World Haemophilia Day 2024 event page on the HFA website.
Haemophilia Foundation Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, the land, waters and community where we walk, live, meet and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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