The second World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Global Summit for women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) is coming soon, and excitement is building for this important event. The Summit will cover issues related to comprehensive care for women and girls, as well as address ways for participants to take action to improve care and treatment.
This second Summit will offer participants several new features to experience, such as “Ask the experts” sessions, which will allow participants to interact and exchange with health care professionals and members of the community on topics such as heavy menstrual bleeding, rare bleeding disorders (RBDs), platelet disorders, and von Willebrand disease (VWD). “Toolkit” sessions will focus on strategies stakeholders can use to advocate for recognition, and to access optimal care and treatment. During these sessions, members of national member organizations (NMOs) and health care professionals will share their best practices, tips, and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Women and girls from around the world will share their personal stories with participants during the Summit in order to shed light on the common experiences that WGBD share, their challenges, and the opportunities they have found for change. On the interactive stories page, participants will be able to read inspirational stories, and look at artwork and videos created by women and girls. All of this experience-sharing has the ultimate goal of seeking to educate, empower and inspire other WGBDs and the bleeding disorder community.
“When I first entered the bleeding disorders field 35 years ago, the focus was on males with hemophilia treated at hemophilia treatment centres,” explains Barbara Konkle, MD, Medical Member, WFH Board of Directors. “Since then, the recognition of bleeding challenges in women and girls with von Willebrand disease, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders has increased and many centres have changed their name to reflect a broader scope. However, access to optimal care remains a challenge. The WFH Global Summit for women and girls with bleeding disorders will improve awareness and facilitate improved care—a step toward improved outcomes for women and girls with bleeding disorders.”
To register or to get more information about the WFH Global Summit for women and girls with bleeding disorders, please click here.