Surviving the unknown
"Without access to treatment, she would not be able to do the things she loves with the people she loves. Now, everything is much better."
World Haemophilia Day 2025: Access for all
Lachen, Switzerland
17/04/2025
Patient stories
World Haemophilia Day, celebrated annually on April 17, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Haemophilia is a rare condition where the blood doesn't clot properly due to a deficiency in clotting factors. This day is dedicated to raising public awareness, advocating for better diagnosis and treatment, and supporting those affected by these conditions.
The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025 is "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too". Historically, women and girls with bleeding disorders have been underdiagnosed. This year's theme highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the bleeding disorders community. By improving access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, the quality of life for these individuals can be significantly enhanced.
Octapharma has a long-term commitment to improving the treatment of bleeding disorders, as well as to raising global awareness of them. As a company, we are proud to support World Hemophilia Day and to play an active part in the bleeding disorders community.
To mark World Haemophilia Day this year, we highlight the inspiring stories of Sebaga, Suzanne, Chen, Kerri and Andrew. Their stories demonstrate the resilience and strength of individuals living with bleeding disorders. Read their stories below!
Building a dream family despite VWD
"I can't speak enough about the feeling of being strong and healthy in a way that I had never known was available to me."
A journey of patience and resilience
"Being around other patients has taught me to put navigating haemophilia into perspective. Others are also facing their own battles."
My life with VWD: Making a difference
"VWD is definitely a big part of your life and something you have to get used to. But it doesn't have to dominate your life."
Take one day at a time and live
"Yeah, VWD is scary, but with the help of family, friends, doctors and support groups you can learn, grow and accomplish anything in life."
Improving diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis enables patients to access the medicines they need while easing the impact of diseases on both individuals and healthcare systems. We collaborate with medical experts and offer tools to support the early identification and management of bleeding disorders.
Bridging the diagnostic gap for von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
VWDtest.com is a global online platform designed to raise awareness and improve the diagnosis of VWD.
Led by an international group of experts and supported by Octapharma, VWDtest.com provides patients, healthcare professionals and caregivers with educational content and patient stories to help them navigate the challenges of the VWD diagnostic journey. For example, patients can use a 5-minute self-assessment tool and a bleeding assessment chart to gauge their likelihood of having an underlying bleeding disorder. The results can be shared with healthcare professionals, paving the way for further evaluation and timely diagnosis.
Visit VWDtest.com
Free Mutation Analysis Service for Patients with Haemophilia A - 8CHECK
One of the most serious complications in haemophilia A management is the development of inhibitors to therapeutic factor VIII (FVIII). Awareness of F8 gene mutation status may predict whether inhibitors are likely to develop and help select the most beneficial treatment for patients. Octapharma offers a free service (8CHECK) for haemophilia A patients, as well as for people who may be carriers of haemophilia A.
Learn more
Keywords
Haematology
Haemophilia
Patient stories