Von Willebrand's disease in a Papua New Guinean

An example of von Willebrand's disease in a Papua New Guinean female is described; this is believed to be the first time that this disorder has been documented in a Melanesian. Some salient features of the diagnosis and management of the disease are discussed. Bleeding disorders in Papua New Guinea have been found with increasing frequency in recent years, and it is not unreasonable to expect that their true incidence will be similar to those seen elsewhere.