World Hemophilia Day 2009 – A Global Celebration
Americas

Argentina
The Cordoba Chapter of Argentina Hemophilia Foundation (La Fundación de la Hemofilia) staged a well-attended choral concert to raise awareness and funds for improved hemophilia treatment and care.

Brazil
Young patients from the Hemophilia Center at Hemocentro of Sao Paulo, at the Hospital das Clinicas, spent World Hemophilia Day with nurses and social workers in a big park outside the city.

 

Chile
A celebration ceremony and movie afternoon were hosted by Chilean Hemophilia Society (Sociedad Chilena de la Hemofilia) for patients and families. Association chapters around the country also held workshops and activities, which included the distribution of pamphlets about hemophilia
and the importance of blood donation.

Canada
The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) helped organized about 30 information and fundraising events across Canada in treatment centres, schools, shopping malls, metro stations, and other public places. Activities included an outreach promotion in Montreal, Quebec, with the Quebec Chapter and the World Federation of Hemophilia, which are both based in Montreal. Over 1,500 bandage dispensers and brochures were distributed to raise awareness of bleeding disorders amongst women.

Colombia
The Colombian Hemophilia Organization (Liga Colombiana de Hemofílicos) hosted an event where a group of actors presented a popular show promoting body care and self-esteem. The event boosted patient participation of 184 people in a recreational physiotherapy program.

Costa Rica
Patients and their families were also the main focus of the Hemophilia Associaion of Costa Rica (Asociación Costarricense de Hemofilia). Activities included a fun day for 200 people at a tourist resort. 

Dominican Republic
More than 60 hematologists shared information with leading members of the Dominican Hematology Society (La Sociedad Dominicana de Hematología) at a weekend congress held in conjunction with a children’s party.

Ecuador
The Hemophilia Foundation of Ecuador (Fundación Hemofilica Ecuatoriana) generated national media coverage of hemophilia issues with activities that included a gathering at a hemophilia treatment centre where children released red and white balloons.

Honduras
Treatment demonstrations, drawing, and games were part of a hemophilia education camp, which the Hemophilia Society of Honduras (Sociedad Hondureña de Hemofilia) organized along with other events for members.

Mexico
The Hemophilia Federation of the Republic of Mexico (Federación de Hemofilia de la República Mexicana) used World Hemophilia Day for patient advocacy initiatives, including an open letter to the Mexican president. The letter called for inclusion of clotting factor concentrates in the government’s list of essential medicines and a ban on cryoprecipitate/fresh frozen plasma.

Nicaragua
Patients, their supporters, medical practitioners, and media attended celebrations and a seminar coordinated by the Nicaraguan Association of Hemophilia (Asociación Nicaragüense de Hemophilia).

Panama
The Hemophilia Foundation of Panama (Fundación Panameña de Hemofilia) hosted its first hemophilia walk for patients, families, healthcare professionals, and other supporters. The association also hosted a seminar covering psychosocial issues.

 

Paraguay
A television talk show provided the opportunity for the Paraguayan Hemophilia Foundation (Fundación de Ayuda al Hemofilico) to highlight its activities and hemophilia  patient issues.

Peru
A packed program included a magic show, workshops for health professionals, a blood donation campaign, painting and drawing contests, media outreach, and a celebration with famous Peruvian artist, José De La Cruz ("Guajaja”) The activities were the work of  the Hemophilia Association of Peru (Asociación Peruana de la Hemofilia) in collaboration with hospitals in Lima.

USA
World Hemophilia Day activities and awareness were promoted by the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Support included a website article on the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and educational needs of people with hemophilia.

Venezuela
Chapters of the Hemophilia Association of Venezuela (Associación Venezolana para la Hemofilia) celebrated with parties across the country, a bike tour, swimming competition, folk concert, chess tournament and a medical training day. These activities generated significant hemophilia awareness and media coverage.

Last Updated August 2009

World Hemophilia Day is supported by funding from: