TIF’s global community will come together in Athens this November for a three-day gathering dedicated to stronger patient leadership, more effective organisations and meaningful international collaboration.
From 20 to 22 November 2026, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) will convene its Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Capacity Building Workshop for Patients and Associations at the Titania Hotel in Athens, Greece.
Bringing together patient association representatives, advocates, emerging leaders, expert patients, healthcare partners and members of TIF’s international network, the event will create an important space for learning, exchange and collective reflection.
Patient organisations have a vital role in ensuring that the needs, experiences and priorities of people living with thalassaemia, sickle cell disease and other haemoglobin disorders are represented in healthcare and policy decisions.
As health systems, treatments, communication channels and models of care continue to evolve, these organisations must also be equipped to respond to new challenges and opportunities with confidence, knowledge and strategic direction.
The Capacity Building Workshop will therefore focus on practical areas that can help patient associations reinforce both their internal capacity and their wider impact, including:
- advocacy and effective engagement with policymakers;
- organisational leadership, governance and sustainability;
- strategic communication and greater public visibility;
- meaningful patient involvement and patient-centred care;
- the effective use of digital tools and new technologies; and
- peer learning, partnership-building and international cooperation.
Alongside the educational programme, the workshop will allow participants to compare experiences across countries and regions, share approaches that have produced meaningful results and consider how successful practices can be adapted to different national and healthcare settings.
The Annual General Assembly will provide a complementary opportunity for TIF’s membership to come together, reflect on common priorities and reinforce the shared direction connecting the Federation’s international network. By bringing these two elements together, the event recognises that stronger organisations and stronger international cooperation are essential to achieving lasting improvements in care, access, rights and quality of life.
Beyond its formal sessions, the Athens gathering will also offer something equally valuable: the opportunity to renew relationships, establish new connections and strengthen the sense of solidarity that has long characterised the global haemoglobin disorders community.
Participants and other interested stakeholders are invited to consult the official event website for:
✅ the latest programme and agenda;
✅ participation and eligibility information;
✅ online registration;
✅ venue and accommodation details;
✅ travel and visa guidance; and
✅ subsequent announcements and event updates.
