1st TIF NURSING WORKSHOP ON HAEMOGLOBINOPATHIES | 29-30 November 2025
Placing Nurses at the Heart of Haemoglobinopathy Care
A truly inspiring two-day educational journey unfolded on 29–30 November 2025 in Athens, as the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), together with the Greek Thalassaemia Federation (E.O.TH.A.), and under the auspices of the Ministries of Health of Greece and Cyprus, hosted the 1st Nursing Workshop on Haemoglobinopathies — an initiative dedicated exclusively to the professionals who stand beside patients every single day.
The Workshop brought into sharp focus the vital and often under-recognised role of nurses in the care of people living with thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, and related disorders. More than 140 participants — including nurses from diverse hospital settings, multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, representatives of patient organisations, and individuals with lived experience — came together in an atmosphere of open dialogue, learning, and professional exchange.
International Expertise and Shared Experience
With expert speakers from Greece, Cyprus, Norway, and the United Kingdom, the Workshop offered a rich blend of scientific excellence, clinical insight, and international best practices. Sessions explored modern therapeutic advances, the realities of day-to-day clinical nursing practice, and the urgent need to strengthen nurses’ voice and role as central figures in holistic, patient-centred care.
Launching a Key Educational Tool for Nurses
One of the most significant moments of the Workshop was the official launch of the updated 2025 edition of TIF’s “Guide for the Haemoglobinopathy Nurse”. For the first time, the Guide was distributed in Greek, marking an important milestone for nursing education in the region. The Guide is a practical, evidence-based tool designed to empower nurses, enhance confidence in clinical decision-making, and support compassionate care.
The Workshop received strong institutional backing through video addresses by Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, the Minister of Health of Greece, who highlighted the indispensable contribution of nurses and reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives to improve haemoglobinopathy care. Mr. Michael Damianos, Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasised the demanding and complex nature of nursing in chronic conditions and the importance of ongoing professional development.
Dr. Androulla Eleftheriou, Executive Director of TIF, underlined: “The Federation deeply recognises the immense value of nurses in the holistic care of haemoglobinopathies and continues to invest systematically in strengthening their skills and role.”
At the same time, Ms. Maria Angelopoulou, President of E.O.TH.A., stressed: “The impressive participation confirms how essential continuous education and sustained support are for nurses who serve at the very frontline of patient care.”
Free Global Access via TIFLIX and Acknowledgements
In the spirit of open access education, all Workshop sessions were professionally recorded and will soon be available free of charge on TIFLIX (www.tiflix.tv), TIF’s digital learning platform. This ensures that the knowledge shared in Athens can reach nurses and healthcare professionals around the world.
This important initiative was made possible with the kind support of Agios, Avanzanite Bioscience, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Chiesi.
TIF and E.O.TH.A. warmly thank all sponsors for standing alongside the nursing community and supporting those who stand at the frontline of haemoglobinopathy care.
The Full Report of the 1st TIF Nursing Workshop on Haemoglobinopathies is available HERE.
