Thalassemia patients and parents to learn about latest blood disorder disease at prestigious international world congress

13th edition of Thalassemia World Congress under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's patronage  to open in Abu Dhabi on 20 October

1st Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Awards to be presented

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 19 Oct 2013: The high prevalence of Thalassemia and blood disorders in the Middle East and around the world will be addressed at the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) World Congress 2013 when it is opened by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation, on 20 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). 

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 13th edition of the biennial World Congress that attracts the entire Thalassemia community worldwide is to be held in Abu Dhabi for the first time on 20-23 October, bringing together a truly international audience to explore insights into the latest hematology technologies and trends.

A highlight of the Congress will be the 15th TIF International Conference for Parents and Patients held alongside the Scientific Program which 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.*

Abu Dhabi was chosen as the host for the 13th edition of the World Congress primarily due to the massive efforts of the H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation and the great accomplishments of the UAE medical community in increasing awareness of the disease.

H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation, hosts of the World Congress, said: “Thalassemia is of significant concern in the Middle East due to a rapid increase in the number of cases over the past few years. The Foundation estimates that one in 12 people in the UAE are carriers of the disease. When the World Congress opens tomorrow, medical history will be made as Thalassemia awareness in the region gets its due share.”
Panos Englezos, Chairman of the Thalassemia International Federation said: “Thalassemia is one of the most common inherited blood disorders known to mankind. With over 490 million thalassemia carriers in the World, in the absence of a comprehensive thalassemia prevention program, children with Thalassemia disease will continue to be born straining the medical, social and economic resources of many nations.

“This Congress aims to provide information to patients/parents and share knowledge regarding the best practices used to manage these diseases to medical specialists, scientists, and other health professionals involved in the basic and multidisciplinary care of patients with these disorders. It is worth mentioning achievements in the region such as those that have taken place in Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, each one separately and all together being exemplary models for other countries to follow.”

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.  Over 300 abstracts (scientific papers) have been received. 

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.

The first Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Awards will be presented on the evening of the opening day by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President. A key award will be presented to HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai & UAE Minister of Finance and Industry for Personality of the Year. 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.
In addition, the congress will include unique social and cultural program designed for visitors to experience the Arabian Hospitality of the UAE.

For further information on TIF 2013 or to register, please visit www.tif2013.org