Speak out: Create Change by marking World Haemophilia Day on April 17

Every year on April 17, World Haemophilia Day is observed around the world to increase awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. This is a critical effort with an ultimate goal of ensuring better diagnosis and access to care for the millions who have a rare bleeding disorder yet remain without treatment.

In 2014, World Haemophilia Day will focus on encouraging the global bleeding disorders community to Speak out. Create change.. This year we are making a particular effort to reach out to young members of the community so as to promote their participation and to develop strong leadership. We want our young members to feel inspired to assume key roles in building and supporting the bleeding disorder community.

World Haemophilia Day provides a unique opportunity for our community to connect locally, and globally, and to take action. The Haemophilia Foundation of New Zealand Inc. (HFNZ) is taking the opportunity to launch a new website to make it easier to find out information about bleeding disorders and HFNZ events, such as the upcoming Youth Leadership Weekend.

“It is important that we continue to work together and raise awareness of the issues faced in the bleeding disorder community. We can do more together than we can as individuals.” says Deon York, HFNZ President. “Opportunities such as the Youth Leadership Weekend helps equip our young members with the tools to lead the next generation”.

For World Haemophilia Day 2014, HFNZ are also will be organizing a number of local activities for members, including an awareness booth at the night market in Hamilton on 17 April.

In New Zealand, there are around 430 people diagnosed with haemophilia and 200 with von Willebrand disorder. HFNZ’s members are all unique but they have one thing in common – being part of the bleeding disorder community. HFNZ creates ways to unify this community and assist those affected by bleeding disorders.

Join the international bleeding disorders community on April 17 to mark World Haemophilia Day. Speak out: Create change.