Over 50 Years of Advocacy and Support
Since 1970, the South African Haemophilia Foundation has been dedicated to supporting people living with bleeding disorders. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, SAHF works to improve access to care and empower patients and healthcare professionals across South Africa.
Established in 1970
The SAHF was established in 1970 to advocate for the needs of people living with bleeding disorders in South Africa.
For more than five decades, the foundation has worked to improve access to treatment, provide education and support for patients and families, and strengthen collaboration between healthcare professionals, treatment centres, and the broader bleeding disorders community.
Through sustained advocacy, education programmes, and community outreach initiatives, SAHF continues to play an important role in improving the lives of people affected by haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Our Mission
The South African Haemophilia Foundation is committed to advocating for the needs of the bleeding disorders community in South Africa.
Our mission is to ensure that people living with bleeding disorders have access to appropriate and quality care, education, and support. Through research, education, and community outreach, we empower patients and healthcare professionals alike to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
We provide advocacy, education and support to our community.
From Polokwane to George, Klerksdorp to Umtata, we advocate for equitable access to treatment and care for all people with bleeding disorders across the country.
Representing the bleeding disorders community
Supporting patients and healthcare professionals
Strengthening support networks across South Africa
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where people living with bleeding disorders receive optimal care and have the opportunity to live full and active lives. SAHF strives to drive progress in treatment, expand access to healthcare services, and support ongoing research that will lead to better therapies and, ultimately, a cure.
— Clerment Sefojane Chairperson, South African Haemophilia Foundation (2022-2026)
Years of Service
Treatment Centres
Bleeding disorders Patients Diagnosed
HCPs Trained on bleeding disorders
The SAHF Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening haemophilia care in South Africa. It focuses on expanding access to treatment, strengthening advocacy efforts, supporting healthcare professionals, and building sustainable programmes for the bleeding disorders community.
Over the years, we achieved important milestones in strengthening access to care for people living with bleeding disorders in South Africa. We continue to work with patients, healthcare professionals, and international partners to expand treatment access, improve education, and build a stringer community.
1963
Frank Schnabel visits South Africa and helps inspire the formation of a national haemophilia organisation
1970
South African Haemophilia Foundation officially established and becomes a member of the World Federation of Hemophilia.
1993
Haemophilia Treatment Centres approved in Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
1995
First MASAC Educational Symposium held in Durban.
2000
Recognition of haemophilia care programmes by the South African National Department of Health.
2006
International WFH Twinning partnership with Canadian Haemophilia Society.
2012
WFH Twinning Programme with HAM and recognition as Twin of the Year.
2018
25th Anniversary of the MASAC Symposium and establishment of the SAHF Youth Council.
2019
WFH Africa Summit hosted in Johannesburg.
2020
SAHF receives the NNHF Project of the Year award
2025
Continued expansion of national advocacy initiatives including SAHF MASAC strategic planning and collaboration with national healthcare initiatives.