Three insightful perspectives on the WFH 2024 World Congress

Each World Congress brings together people from all over the world. What fun it is to see friends from previous times but also to make new friendships. Learning together, discovering challenges that each of us faces, contributes to greater understanding, compassion and a resolve to keep on working so that one day there will be “treatment for all”!

Truly it was a meaningful and rich time. It was such a joy to hear how well the Bangladesh Society (with whom the CHS had twinned) is doing. Then to hear some of the challenges shared with me from a new acquaintance from “down under.” And delightful to meet Ekawat and have my caricature done!

So grateful to have been able to be a part of this incredible experience.

Marion and Eric Stolte with the Bangladesh delegation.

Marion with the Australian and Belgium delegations.

Marion with Ekawat Suwantaroj.

Marion’s caricature was done by Ekawat Suwantaroj, from Thailand. Ekawat, who has severe hemophilia A, is currently the Vice-President of the Thai Hemophilia Patient Club and was just re-elected on the WFH Board of Directors as Lay Member.

The WFH 2024 World Congress in Madrid, Spain, emphasized a pivotal shift in focus towards women’s health within the realm of bleeding disorders. Amidst discussions led by esteemed international colleagues, including prominent voices from Canada, the urgent need to redefine symptomatic carriers and tailor care for this often-overlooked cohort took centre stage. Recognizing the under recognition and undertreatment of women with bleeding disorders, there was a resounding call for further research and program development to address this gap. Of particular importance was the advocacy for inclusion of females in clinical trials, ensuring equitable access to therapies comparable to those available for male counterparts. This key moment signals a collective community commitment to reshaping the landscape of bleeding disorders care, championing inclusivity and comprehensive treatment for all.

I’ve attended WFH world congresses many times before, and always enjoy the multidisciplinary flavour of these meetings, and the chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues. This year, I noticed a significant energy during the sessions focused on women’s bleeding and am hopeful for the future for these important patients.

A slide presented at the full-day workshop on women and girls with bleeding disorders held on Sunday, April 21.