World Federation of Hemophilia
Global Hemophilia Community Campaigns to Stop Childhood Deaths
Montreal, Canada (ots/PRNewswire)
"No child born with a bleeding disorder should have to live with pain, disability, or the prospect of early death," says Mark Skinner, president of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
He was speaking on the eve of World Hemophilia Day, (April 17) which has adopted the message this year of Treatment for all!
"With treatment, a person with hemophilia can expect to live a long, healthy life with few restrictions, says Skinner. "Without treatment, our members face continual pain, disability, isolation, and premature death. Most people with hemophilia, who do not receive treatment, die before the age of 19."
"Therefore, we're promoting a global advocacy effort to secure diagnosis, safe treatment and proper care for everyone with a bleeding disorder, no matter their circumstances or where they live.
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that affects an estimated 400,000 people worldwide. Yet some 75 per cent of them remain undiagnosed and untreated.
"The WFH is encouraging people around the world to work together to approach their health ministers, organize petitions, talk to the media, and raise public awareness in other ways of the importance of Treatment for all."
The celebrations and awareness initiatives are supported in part by manufacturers such as Bayer HealthCare. "We recognize the significance of this day and is proud to be a sponsor of the activities surrounding it," says Michael E. Mathews, vice president of Global Marketing at Bayer. "For many years Bayer has been working with local hemophilia organizations to develop and implement successful awareness and advocacy programs around World Hemophilia Day."
World Hemophilia Day, was started by the WFH in 1989. The date April 17 was chosen to honour the birthday of WFH founder Frank Schnabel.
On the day, the WFH along with hemophilia organizations and treatment centres in more than 100 countries conduct sporting events, family outings, information campaigns, and other activities to raise awareness of the needs of the bleeding disorders community.
The WFH is an international, not-for-profit organization that assists national patient associations, local healthcare providers, and government officials to improve and sustain care for people with inherited bleeding disorders.
www.wfh.org
Contact:
Contact: Richard Andrews, World Federation of Hemophilia, 1425 René
Lévesque Boulevard West #1010, Montréal, Québec H3G 1T7 Canada, Tel:
+1-(514)-394-2822 Email: randrews@wfh.org