The Day

International Thalassaemia Day is the leading global awareness and advocacy campaign dedicated to highlighting thalassaemia and honouring the resilience, dignity, and collective strength of the worldwide thalassaemia community.

At its core, this landmark initiative champions equitable access to timely and accurate diagnosis, quality treatment, and comprehensive, lifelong care for all individuals affected by thalassaemia. With a worldwide reach extending to millions of people across more than 100 countries, International Thalassaemia Day has evolved into a powerful platform for visibility, education, and impact.

Observed annually on 8 May, the Day commemorates the memory of George Englezos, the beloved son of Panos Englezos, President and Founder of the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), while also honouring all patients who have lost their lives to thalassaemia. Their memory serves as both a solemn reminder and a source of enduring motivation for collective action.

Beyond remembrance, International Thalassaemia Day is a global call to action. Led by TIF and strengthened by the engagement of its more than 200 member organizations and a wide network of partners, the Day represents a critical moment for advocacy and mobilization. It drives coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels to advance policy, strengthen health systems, and ensure that the needs and voices of people living with thalassaemia are not only acknowledged but translated into meaningful, timely, and compassionate action.