The WFH Haemophilia Centre Twinning Programme: 10 years of growth, 1993–2003

The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Twinning Programme celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Twinning is one of several international WFH programmes designed to improve haemophilia care at a global level. There are two types of twinning, and the haemophilia treatment centre twinning programme should be distinguished from the WFH haemophilia organization twinning involving national member organizations. The WFH Haemophilia Treatment Centre Twinning Programme helps emerging haemophilia treatment centres develop partnerships with well-established and experienced centres. Twinning can improve diagnosis and clinical care through coaching, training and transfer of expertise, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for patients. Twinning can also enhance the profile and recognition of treatment centres in emerging countries, which can be valuable in raising awareness among politicians and the media. Examples of activities include consultation on the management of specific cases, clinical and laboratory training, donation of equipment and publications as well as research projects. The centre twinning programme also benefits centres in developed countries by giving them the opportunity to gain exposure to clinical problems no longer encountered in their own countries, as well as experience of new cultures. Currently, a total of 23 treatment centres around the world are linked through the twinning programme and applications for new partnerships are welcome. Twinning links are not permanent, but are reviewed on an annual basis and typically remain in place for periods of 3-5 years. Limited financial support from WFH is available to twinned centres in the form of money for an initial assessment visit, as well as regular annual grants to established partners and the possibility of applying for additional funding to support specific projects. In addition, continuing support and advice are available from the WFH regional programme officers.