ABSTRACT
The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) is a global not-for-profit organization
devoted to furthering the treatment of hemophilia and related disorders. Founded in
Montreal in 1963, it has grown tremendously during the last 40 years and now has 107
National Member Organizations and has been recognized by the World Health Organization.
The mission of the WFH is to introduce, improve, and maintain care for patients with
hemophilia and related disorders. Several specific programs may be used as tools to
achieve these goals. The WFH organizes regular educational workshops on key aspects
of hemophilia care. Fellowships are offered to approximately 30 healthcare professionals
each year that provide funding for a period of study of up to 8 weeks at an International
Hemophilia Training Center of their choice. The WFH twinning program helps emerging
hemophilia treatment centers develop partnerships with well-established centers. Although
the ultimate goal of the WFH is to promote sustainable hemophilia treatment in developing
countries, donations of concentrate are regularly made through the Humanitarian Aid
program. The WHF launched the Global Alliance for Progress in its 40th anniversary
year, establishing a partnership between the WFH and other stakeholders, including
the pharmaceutical industry. The aim is to focus on 30 to 40 developing countries
during the next 10 years, aiming to more than double the number of patients diagnosed
with hemophilia in those countries. The WFH is also involved in fostering discussion
on key issues such as safety and supply of blood products.
KEYWORDS
Hemophilia - developing countries - World Federation of Haemophilia - training programs
- hemophilia centers
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Dr.
Paul L.F Giangrande
Vice President (Medical), WFH, Oxford Haemophilia Centre and Thrombosis Unit, Churchill
Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
Email: paul.giangrande@ndm.ox.ac.uk