Over 2000 delegates from 40 countries attending the global conference and exhibition

Key UAE based personalities recognized for their contributions at 1st Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Awards

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20 Oct 2013

Over 2,000 delegates from over 40 countries at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) heard why the World Health Organisation, global medical and scientific communities, the pharmaceutical industry, policy makers and the society at large at both the national and regional level need to join hands in ensuring that combating Thalassemia becomes an established priority.

The Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) President Panos Englezos was delivering his opening address at the 13th TIF World Congress 2013, held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The Congress was opened by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President.

Englezos explained: "Today, the global family of patients with thalassemia syndromes and sickle cell disease is more confident than ever, truly empowered by the incredible advances of medical science over the past 30 years. Advances which have led to the transformation of a childhood fatal disease, into a chronic one, with significantly improved survival and quality of life. Now, a political commitment is the most important prerequisite."

The high prevalence of Thalassemia and blood disorders in the Middle East and around the world was addressed by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation, hosts of the World Congress and the 1st Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Awards. He delivered the address on behalf of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.

The awards recognized the efforts of individuals, national Thalassemia societies and organisations for their effort.

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai & UAE Minister of Finance and Industry received the Personality of the Year. The award was received on his behalf by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The recognition comes for his efforts at improving the lives of patients with thalassemia locally and regionally through his generous support for the establishment of the first specialized center for the treatment of patients with thalassemia in the region and the Middle East.

Another key award was given to Thalassemia Center - Dubai as a Centre of Excellence in the region and for their innovative approach to the treatment of the disease. 19 national awards and eight international awards were presented.**

The scientific program commences on 21 Oct and runs until 23 Oct where the congress will dedicate over 40 sessions to several topics. TIF 2013's in-depth scientific program covers a range of subspecialty and topic areas in Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathies. Scientific sessions have been organized to deliver the latest updates in patient care by more than 100 internationally recognized speakers from over 30 countries.  Over 300 abstracts (scientific papers) have been received. 

Another highlight of the Congress is the 15th TIF International Conference for Parents and Patients which opened alongside the Scientific Program. This conference will dialogue and discuss with thalassemia patients and their families about the latest treatment trends, scientific breakthroughs and the social, psychological and economic impact of the disease. Families have an opportunity to interact with international experts and learn about the latest techniques and methods to manage the disease and live a normal life.

It is estimated that 7% of the world's population are carriers of the genes that may cause disorders of hemoglobin with around 500,000 children who are born every year with severe inherited blood disorders.*

TIF 2013 is hosted by the Regional Collaborating Office of Thalassemia International Federation (RCOTIF), HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation and the Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award, and is supported by the Emirates Thalassemia Society, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. The Congress is sponsored by Novartis, ApoPharma and EMAL amongst several other international organizations present at a parallel exhibition.

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The UAE Government provides free treatment for Thalassemia patients.

Being an inherited disease, chances of developing Thalassemia symptoms increase to 25% when both parents are carriers. Thalassemia occurs when there is a defect in the gene that controls production of proteins in the hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia. Thalassemia can be managed by following treatment plans, monthly blood transfusions and daily expensive medications. The only curative treatment for Thalassemia is a bone marrow stem cell transplant, but only a small proportion of patients are able to find a good donor match, and the procedure is risky.

Thalassemia is a major public health issue in the UAE, which affects so many families at social, medical, financial and psychological levels. Regular blood screenings campaigns in general are the best way to help reduce the presence of hereditary diseases in the country.  Certain diseases like thalassemia and diabetes have especially high prevalence in the UAE, and this is the first step in identifying a problem that could extend for generations to come. A great deal of scientific data has in fact been documented to show trends of selected genetic disorders in UAE communities, and it is the mission of the HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation to improve the quality of life of compatriots and alleviate human suffering.

**A full list of the award winners is attached.

About TIF World Congress 2013:
Abu Dhabi will play host to the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) World Congress 2013,  the biennial educational event comprised of the 13th International Conference on Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies, and the 15th TIF International Conference for Patients and Parents - which is being hosted in the Middle East and Africa region for the first time. TIF 2013 takes place 20-23 October at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will host scientific sessions on the latest updates in Thalassemia, presented by more than 100 internationally recognized speakers. The organizers expect over 2000 delegates from several countries across the globe.

Abu Dhabi was voted the joint most popular destination (along with Dubai) to stage events in the MENA region in 2012, according to the REED Middle East Meetings Industry Report 2011.

About Thalassaemia International Federation:
Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) is a non-profit, non-governmental patient-driven organization founded in 1986 and working in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1996. TIF is an umbrella organization involving 108 national Thalassemia associations and other members from over 55 countries across the world. TIF has been in official relations with the Non-Communicable Diseases/Human Genetics Department of the WHO since 1996. In addition they collaborate with other relevant departments of the WHO, the European Commission, national, European and international patients' organizations, pharmaceutical industries and agencies, as well as other health-related bodies with an interest in Hemoglobinopathies, blood safety and public health in general. To date, TIF has organized 65 delegation visits in 60 countries worldwide and 44 local, national, regional and international educational events (conferences, workshops and seminars). Some 18,000 health professionals, patients and parents from over 60 countries have participated in these events.

For further information please contact:
Melissa Green
Action UAE
T: +971 (0) 56
E: melissa.g@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2013