Cédric Hermans, MD, PhD, begins his mandate in a global context marked by a striking duality: on the one hand, the world is under increasing strain, with multiple geopolitical crises that may impact global cooperation; on the other, there is an unprecedented wave of therapeutic innovation, with new approaches profoundly transforming the management of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. This contrast represents both a major strategic challenge and a unique opportunity to accelerate progress for patients.
With more than 25 years of experience and long-standing involvement on the WFH Board of Directors, Hermans will place at the core of his mandate a central objective: mobilizing the entire global medical and scientific ecosystem. He calls for stronger engagement from clinicians, researchers—including those in fundamental science—as well as all healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industry partners involved in the management of bleeding disorders. His vision is grounded in a strong conviction: that the link between research—even at its most fundamental level—and the lives of people with bleeding disorders is a powerful source of meaning, engagement, and innovation. He emphasizes that his own involvement within the WFH has been a unique source of inspiration, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment, and expresses his desire to share this experience with as many professionals as possible worldwide, for the benefit of the global patient community.
Through this objective, Hermans will build on the existing momentum of the WFH—momentum which has been driven by a number of impactful endeavours delivered over the last few years. These endeavours include the development of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program, which has provided access to treatment for tens of thousands of patients worldwide, the establishment of the World Bleeding Disorders Registry (WBDR), now a key tool for research and care improvement, and the development of internationally recognized treatment guidelines. He will dedicate himself not only to continuing the key initiatives of the WFH, but also expanding their impact by further uniting the international community around the federation’s vision of Treatment for All: for a world where all people with inherited bleeding disorders have access to care, regardless of their type of bleeding disorder, gender, or where they live.