Haemophilia Awareness Week 15- 21 April 2001
April 17 is World Haemophilia Day, which is celebrated by haemophilia organisations around the world. The World Federation of Hemophilia chose April 17 in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel who was born on that day.
Haemophilia foundations in Australia promote ‘Awareness Week’ by conducting numerous events and gaining media exposure. This year a very special event was held between 24 March and 2 April. The ‘Ride on for Haemophilia’ involved 4 fathers of sons with haemophilia, driving ride-on lawn mowers from Canberra to Melbourne to raise funds for haemophilia care and to increase awareness of the condition. This successful ride of endurance created much public and media interest along the 720km journey.
Haemophilia is a blood clotting disorder in which one of the essential clotting factors is missing.
It is painful, disabling and incurable. Bleeding is mostly internal and often spontaneous. It affects mainly males. It is hereditary. But about 30 per cent of babies born with haemophilia have no previous history of it in their family. This is caused by a gene mutation. Therefore, haemophilia can occur in any family. It is found in all races and all socio-economic groups.
Research for better treatment products allows people with haemophilia to lead normal lives in school and employment. Research for haemophilia has raised the standard of blood transfusion, benefiting the whole community.
Haemophilia Foundation Australia, based in Melbourne, is a community organisation. It liaises with governments, blood transfusion services, pharmaceutical companies and the medical profession to achieve best possible care and treatment. The Foundation provides booklets, videos, information, care and support. It seeks community donations, which are directed to the provision of services.
Haemophilia Foundation Australia contact phone number: 1800 807 173.
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2001
