A Quarter Century of Dedication
Dr. Assad E. Haffar has devoted his professional life to improving care for individuals globally affected by bleeding disorders. Serving as the Humanitarian Aid and Medical Training Director at the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), he has been instrumental in the growth of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program, forging crucial partnerships, broadening access to treatments, and revolutionizing national healthcare infrastructures, especially within low- and middle-income nations.
Early Influences and Motivation
Dr. Haffar shares perspectives from his remarkable career and the valuable lessons he has gathered throughout his journey. He initially pursued occupational health as a result of inspiration from Bernardino Ramazzini, a physician of the Renaissance era who advocated for medicine to prioritize those with the greatest needs, rather than solely the affluent.
“I became an occupational health physician because I was inspired by Bernardino Ramazzini, a Renaissance physician who believed medicine should serve those most in need—not just the wealthy.”
Hemophilia and Global Health Equity
This core belief profoundly influenced his early career. He draws a powerful parallel between Ramazzini’s philosophy and the challenges faced by those with hemophilia. He explains that hemophilia disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations in countries with limited resources, as it is a rare but costly condition often overlooked by healthcare systems.
“It’s a disease which in our world predominantly affects vulnerable populations in resource-challenged countries. It’s a rare condition that is expensive to treat, and that many health systems neglect.”
This realization drove him to the WFH, seeking the opportunity to establish sustainable care for a neglected population. His continued dedication stems from the tangible and measurable positive impact of his work.
Further Information
For more details on events and advancements creating a difference, please visit the WFH News page.
Summary: Dr. Haffar’s career is defined by a commitment to accessible healthcare for those with bleeding disorders, inspired by a historical precedent of serving the most vulnerable and driven by demonstrable results achieved through the WFH.