Health Advocate from Rwanda Named as Inaugural World Thrombosis Day Ambassador of the Year

Christine Ashimwe, Founder of Rwanda Clot Awareness Network, Receives Prestigious Award for Thrombosis Advocacy Achievements

CHAPEL HILL, NC, USA, October 11, 2018 — The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) today announced that Christine Ashimwe from Kigali, Rwanda, has been named the World Thrombosis Day 2018 Thrombosis Ambassador of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights Ashimwe’s drive to achieve the campaign’s mission of shining a global spotlight on the condition of thrombosis. It also showcases her ability to motivate others within thrombosis advocacy programs in Rwanda and around the world through innovative approaches to raise awareness and accomplish advocacy goals.

The ISTH launched the World Thrombosis Day Ambassador of the Year program to recognize a passionate ambassador who is dedicated to building awareness about thrombosis, also known as blood clots, in his/her community, region, country, and/or globally in an effort to save lives. Ashimwe was selected following a competitive review process of more than 120 global nominations.

“We are honored to recognize Christine Ashimwe as the campaign’s first-ever Thrombosis Ambassador of the Year,” said Gary Raskob, PhD, Chair, World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee. “Christine’s personal experience as a thrombosis survivor, coupled with her passion for helping others, is integral to her role as the World Thrombosis Day 2018 Ambassador of the Year, and her dedication to helping others inspires us.”

Ashimwe is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rwanda Clot Awareness Network, an organization of 100 patients, advocates, researchers and healthcare professionals in Rwanda dedicated to increasing public awareness and education about thrombosis. Ashimwe was inspired to start the Rwanda Clot Awareness Network after personally suffering a venous thromboembolism (VTE) in 2015, followed by multiple recurring blood clots.

“I knew nothing about blood clots prior to my diagnosis, which is why I am so passionate about educating others about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the condition,” Ashimwe said. “I am proud to serve as the World Thrombosis Day 2018 Ambassador of the Year and look forward to leveraging this platform to expand awareness and share my story to inspire and motivate others.”

In recognition of her role as the 2018 Thrombosis Ambassador of the Year, Ashimwe will serve as a panelist during the World Thrombosis Day session at the ISTH 2019 Congress in Melbourne, Australia. Additionally, the ISTH will make a donation of $5,000 USD to the Rwanda Clot Awareness Network.

To learn more about World Thrombosis Day, visit www.worldthrombosisday.org.

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