World Haemophilia Day is for all bleeding disorders
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 as well as generating support and understanding in our own community.
World Haemophilia Day has been going since 1989. This year the theme is
Access for All. The World Federation of Hemophilia, with the support of volunteers from around the world, does remarkable work with developing countries with their GAP and Twinning Programs and the Cornerstone Initiative. Australia through HFA is currently connected with the Myanmar Haemophilia Patient Association as a part of the WFH Twinning Program and HSQ has been doing its best to support Fiji people with bleeding disorders to help achieve this worthy goal.
Did you know, WFH estimates that over 75% of people living with haemophilia worldwide have not yet been identified and diagnosed.
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.
We are grateful that our community has access to high quality treatment but we recognise that many other parts of the world do not have access to diagnosis, treatment and care. Together as Australians, let’s take this opportunity to recognise this special day and put our support behind the worldwide effort for Access for All.
Light It up Red
We have many locations and landmarks over Australia Lighting up Red in support of World Haemophilia Day. On the night of the 17th keep an eye out for venues and structures near you and share photos on the HFQ and HFA social media platforms. HFA will also have some virtual activities available on their website.
Venues and Structures being lit red in Queensland for World Haemophilia Day include the following…
Brisbane
• Parliament House, Brisbane
• Treasury Casino, Brisbane
• Story Bridge
• Victoria Bridge
• Reddacliff Place sculptures
• Wickham Terrace Car Park architectural wall
• Breakfast Creek Bridge, Newstead
• Kurilpa Bridge
• Gateway Bridge
• Brisbane City Hall
• Sandgate Hall
Ipswich
• Ipswich Civic Centre
Logan
• Wineglass Water Tower in Hillcrest
• Telfer Street Tower light show, Shailer Park
• Jacaranda Tower Underwood
Marouba
• CBD Treee Lights
Toowoomba
• Victoria Bridge, Toowoomba
Southern Downs
• Town Hall Warwick Clock Face
• Warwick Town Hall roof lights
• Stanthorpe Administration Building
Rockhampton
• Heritage Façade Council building
Townsville
• Victoria Bridge
• Townsville Sign
• Wharton Reef Lighthouse
• George Roberts Bridge
• Old Magistrates Court House
• Central Park Boardwalk
• Little Fletcher Bridge
Cairns
• Court House Gallery
MORE INFORMATION
So far, we have confirmed 29 venues and structures across Queensland that will be lit red for this year’s WHD. If you know any in your area that we could approach to add to the list for this year (or next), please let the HFQ office know. As we get more venues and structures, they will be listed on the HFA website -
www.haemophilia.org.au/WHD