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

ots Originaltext: World Federation of Hemophilia
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

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