8 May is dedicated to the millions of people worldwide living with thalassaemia, a serious hereditary blood disorder that continues to pose a significant public health challenge in many countries around the world. Spearheaded by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), International Thalassaemia Day stands as an annual reminder of the importance of raising awareness, spreading accurate information, educating society, and advocating for equal rights for all patients.
It is a day to honour those living with the disease and their families, while also reaffirming our shared responsibility to ensure their dignity, quality of life, and access to care.
This year’s theme, “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients,” calls for a shift toward a more people-centred, holistic, and inclusive approach to care, placing the patient firmly at the core of all efforts. Managing thalassaemia means more than just medical treatment – it means recognising patients’ multifaceted needs, safeguarding their rights, and involving them in all decisions that affect their health and future.
Panos Englezos, President of TIF said that Progress in thalassaemia is not only measured by therapeutic protocols and scientific breakthroughs. It is reflected in the improvement of patients’ daily lives, in the amplification of their voices, and in their equitable access to quality care – wherever they may live. What we need is a new social contract for thalassaemia: with patients as partners, communities united, and policies focused on human needs. Only then can we ensure a fairer and more supportive future for all.
According to TIF estimates, around 7% of the global population are carriers of a haemoglobin disorder – a figure equivalent to more than 400 million people. Each year, over 300,000 children are born with severe forms of thalassaemia. In many parts of the world, however, the full scope of the issue remains under-recognised due to inadequate diagnosis and a lack of robust robust epidemiological data. These challenges are compounded by vast inequalities in access to treatment and healthcare services.
The Federation underscores that progress is indeed achievable – but only through collective action. Genuine collaboration among patients and their families, healthcare professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical partners, and health authorities is key to developing sustainable and equitable models of care.
This high-level event brings together influential leaders from government, science, and civil society to celebrate Cyprus’s long-standing and successful fight against the disease. It will also spotlight national best practices, address pressing and unresolved challenges, and draw attention to global disparities in care provision that must be urgently addressed.