April 17 is World Hemophilia Day and the theme for 2006 is Treatment for all!

As part of the international activities, the World Federation of Hemophilia is supporting a global advocacy effort to secure appropriate care and treatment products for everyone with a bleeding disorder.

The WFH is encouraging hemophilia communities 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.

Treatment for all means all people with bleeding disorders should have access to safe and effective treatment until there is a cure. Meanwhile, safe products, proper diagnosis, management, and care by trained specialists should be available.

In addition to improving care in developing countries, Treatment for all also means sustaining adequate levels of care in developed countries.

“WFH research shows that government and society benefit from an investment in children’s health when, as adults, they are able to work, contribute to the community and raise a healthy family,” says Mark Skinner, WFH president.

“Therefore, the WFH is promoting a global effort to secure appropriate care and treatment products for everyone with a bleeding disorder, no matter their circumstances or where they live, ”he says.

Celebrated in more than 100 countries, World Hemophilia Day was started by the WFH in 1989. The date April 17 was chosen in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel, who was born on that day.