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.
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.
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.
Michelle’s story
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.
Michelle spoke to us about her journey to diagnosis – from her first bleeding symptoms, in the form of gushing periods, at the age of 19, to nineteen years later, when she finally got a diagnosis.
For more stories about how bleeding disorders have affected people and their loved ones, and to share your own, visit the WFH WHD Stories.
Resources and Activities
Get everyone involved in World Haemophilia Day with the print-at-home colouring in sheet, quiz and scavenger hunt. Help raise awareness with the poster and custom profile picture!
- WHD 2026 Posters (A3)
- WHD 2026 Colour-in Sheets (A4)
- Bleeding Disorders 2026 Quiz (A4)
- Scavenger Hunt 2026 (A4)
- Update profile picture (Twibbonize)
Light it up red
We have many locations and landmarks over Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day. Head out to a landmark near you, take a pic and share it with us on our social media platforms. See a list of locations.
