Health Minister Marks World Haemophilia Day 2019

Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D. has marked World Haemophilia Day (Wednesday 17 April) by highlighting the level of care available for those with the bleeding disorder.

The rare condition affects the body's ability to clot and is usually inherited. Three Comprehensive Care Centres – the National Coagulation Centre in St. James' Hospital in Dublin, the Coagulation Centre in Cork University Hospital, and Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin – are certified internationally as European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (EHCCC) and viewed by many as among the best in the world.
 Since 1989, the 17 April has been recognised as "World Haemophilia Day", to raise awareness and bring understanding and attention to the issues related to haemophilia and other bleeding disorders to the wider public.

The theme of this year's World Haemophilia Day is "Reaching Out – the first step to care". The Irish Haemophilia Society, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, is celebrating World Haemophilia Day with a symposium entitled "Haemophilia – The Future is Now: New Approaches to an Ancient Condition".


Minister Harris noted the contribution of the National Haemophilia Council to the development of haemophilia care in Ireland. He paid tribute to the achievements of Dr Barry Harrington, who will shortly step down as Chair of the Council after eight years in the role.

Minister Harris said: "The high degree of co-operation and partnership between the National Haemophilia Council, clinicians and patient organisations, and their proactive collaboration with the HSE and Department of Health, is a major factor in Ireland's success in providing quality treatment of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders."

He also praised the tireless work done by the Irish Haemophilia Society in creating a positive and supportive community for people with haemophilia and their families: "In line with this year's theme, I would like to encourage anybody living with a bleeding disorder to seek treatment from the health services and to reach out to the Irish Haemophilia Society and become part of that community."

A number of buildings in both Dublin and Cork were illuminated in red yesterday evening to mark Word Haemophilia Day including Liberty Hall, The Dublin Convention Centre, the Mansion House, Smithfield Square, St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre City Hall, The Civic Offices at Wood Quay and in Cork, Cork City Hall and Capital Building Cork.



(JG)