TIF actively participates in the 72nd World Health Assembly Meetings in Geneva, Switzerland

The International Thalassemia Federation (TIF) had a strong presence at the 72nd WHO World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland between May 20-26, 2019. The Federation represented a six-member team of senior executives, internationally prestigious scientists and experienced thalassaemia patients from four countries: Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

This team, led by TIF’s Executive Director, Dr Androulla Eleftheriou, participated in the World Health Assembly procedures with statements in favor of the patients’ rights as regards the status of rare diseases in national health systems, the patients’ safety and access to innovative medicines, the modification of existing policies on non-communicable diseases, and the ‘migration’ of thalassaemia to countries in Europe.

In addition, TIF has actively supported the Assembly’s Patients’ Security Resolution, which has been ratified and designated September 17 as a World Day for Patient Safety.