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.
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.
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.
LIGHT IT UP RED
In 2023, we had many locations and landmarks over Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day. We’re working hard on finding locations for 2024 – if you have any suggestions please send us an email on [email protected].
Check out the locations Lighting up Red for 2024
Western Australia
- Arrol Crane at Jetty Road – Bunbury
- Bell Tower
- Council House
- Fraser Avenue Tree Lights
- Guppy Park – Bunbury
- Joondalup Bridge
- Koolambidi Woola
- Koombana Bay Footbridge – Bunbury
- Koombana Bay Foreshore – Bunbury
- Marlston Hill Lookout – Bunbury
- Marlston Waterfront – Bunbury
- Matagarup Bridge
- Mount Street Bridge
- Navigators at the Koombana Drive roundabout – Bunbury
- Northbridge Tunnel
- Richmond Reserve – Bunbury
- Sky Ribbon
- Trafalgar Bridge