World Hemophilia Day

World Hemophilia Day ― The Many Faces of Bleeding Disorders

World Hemophilia Day is celebrated around the world on April 17 to increase awareness of hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. This year’s theme is “Be inspired, get involved in Treatment for All."

The original handful of modest gatherings in 1989 has blossomed into a global event now celebrated among 113 WFH member countries. From Spain to Sudan, China to the Czech Republic, the USA to Uzbekistan and Canada to Cameroon, the global bleeding disorders community comes together to celebrate.

April 17 was chosen by the WFH to honor its founder Frank Schnabel, who was born on this day. World Hemophilia Day serves to commemorate Schnabel’s achievements and extends his personal mission to improve global care for people with hemophilia.

As part of this extension, World Hemophilia Day now embraces all inherited bleeding disorders and is used to increase public awareness, educate patients, attract volunteers, raise funds and lobby for improved treatment and care. 

Events include workshops, art exhibitions, walkathons, family days, information booths, sporting competitions, debates with health officials and even street demonstrations.

“While the events are far ranging, they all share the same purpose,” says WFH President Mark Skinner. “World Hemophilia Day has been a great way to boost support for comprehensive care for patients with bleeding disorders in both developing and developed countries. We know that patients in many developing countries have inadequate care with tragic results. But even in the developed world we cannot be complacent because healthcare spending is under scrutiny and threatened with budget cuts due to the downturn in the global economy.”

The World Federation of Hemophilia provides communication tools to help members participate in World Hemophilia Day. Resources include news release templates, media liaison tips, generic posters, and other informational material that can be adapted for local needs. (For details, visit www.wfh.org/whd.)

In addition to its support of grass roots efforts, the WFH also promotes the event on an international level. For example, World Hemophilia Day 2009 included a video podcast, developed with funding from Baxter, on the importance and benefits of comprehensive care for people with bleeding disorders. Thousands of people from over 136 countries have clicked on the video at www.wfh.org/whd.

WFH has also launched the “Many Faces of Bleeding Disorders” video podcast. Visit www.wfh.org/whd for more information and to view the video trailer.

The “Many Faces of Bleeding Disorders” campaign is part of the WFH’s continuing efforts to achieve Treatment for All for people with inherited bleeding disorders around the world.