Today the global bleeding disorders community comes together to celebrate World Haemophilia Day and to increase awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. 

The theme of the event this year 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.

Since 1989, patient groups worldwide have annually marked World Haemophilia Day on April 17 to raise the awareness and understanding of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The date was chosen in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel, who was born on that day.

World Haemophilia Day aims to promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to achieve the vision of Treatment for All, and to draw attention to the key issues and put haemophilia and bleeding disorders in the spotlight. This mission is essential, because increasing awareness of these issues leads to better diagnosis and better access to care for all those who are currently without treatment. WFH estimates that over 75% of people living with haemophilia worldwide have not yet been identified and diagnosed.

Haemophilia NZ is a WFH member organisation. We have been involved with many WFH programmes over the years, participated in the WFH Twinning programme, and been involved in various committees that work to achieve the objectives of WFH.

In Aotearoa, we are fortunate to have access to the best available care and services. Recently, the approval of Hemlibra for people with severe haemophilia A has led to a significant reduction in bleeds and has greatly improved the quality of life of those who are able to access it. We look forward to Hemlibra, and other novel therapies, being available to every one who needs them in the future.