Every year, May 8 is celebrated as the International Thalassaemia Day. What is Thalassaemia? Thalassaemia refers to a group of inherited blood disorders caused by genetic mutations that reduce or prevent the production of haemoglobin — the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Thalassaemia describe a set of diseases that belong to a larger group, the anaemias. When someone has anaemia, his body cannot produce enough normal red blood cells, which are cells that carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the whole body. They flow in the blood stream and give it its red color. Thalassaemias are hereditary diseases, meaning that they are caused by problems within our genetic make-up, and not because of nutrition or other environmental factors, and are passed on to children from their two parents – both mother and father. What is at fault in thalassaemia is a change in the haemoglobin molecule, a protein found within each red cell, responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs. Reduced haemoglobin production results in chronic anaemia and may lead to serious health complications without appropriate treatment. The condition includes different types, primarily α- and β-thalassaemia, which vary in severity from mild forms to severe, transfusion-dependent disease. Some types require more demanding therapy than others. In any case, patients with thalassaemia must be followed by healthcare professional experts in specialized centers throughout their lifetime to have the best possible health outcomes. With around 100 million people carrying thalassaemia-related genes and over 300,000 newborns diagnosed with a severe form of the condition each year, this day serves as a potent reminder of the need to elevate awareness of thalassaemia and its profound impact on many, strengthen the bonds of unity within the global community, and advocate for healthcare practices that prioritise patients and their holistic health and well-being. Theme for 2026 The theme of the event this year is “Hidden No More – Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen.”. Despite decades of medical progress, thalassaemia remains a largely hidden disease. Millions worldwide still live without knowing their carrier status or condition — a silence that perpetuates suffering across generations. In many regions, the reasons are clear: the absence of systematic screening and national prevention programmes; limited diagnostic infrastructure and a shortage of trained specialists; the lack of national patient registries and surveillance systems to accurately record and track cases; and low political commitment to integrating haemoglobinopathies into national public health priorities. The consequences are profound: preventable births of children with severe thalassaemia, delayed or missed treatment, and the continued invisibility of entire patient populations. Finding the undiagnosed is not merely about data or technology; it is about justice and opportunity — giving people knowledge, voice, and a chance at healthier, more informed lives. This year's theme calls for action in the following areas. Visibility - Identify every person living with or carrying thalassaemia through accessible, affordable, and inclusive screening. Make thalassaemia visible in public-health data, national strategies, and global health indicators. Voice - Amplify the perspectives of patients and families in shaping health policies, research priorities, and service design. Empower patient organizations and youth advocates to lead awareness and prevention efforts within their communities. Value - Ensure equitable access to comprehensive care — medical, psychological, and social. Recognize the inherent worth of every person with thalassaemia, reaffirming that no life should be deemed less important or less visible. Source : Thalassaemia International Federation