Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides has highlighted the need to strengthen blood donation, secure an adequate blood supply and make further use of scientific advances in the treatment of thalassaemia, speaking at the Pancyprian Thalassaemia Conference, Thalassemia2026Cy, at the Aliathon hotel in Paphos. Charalambides congratulated the Pancyprian Thalassaemia Association and the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics on organising the conference, noting the importance of bringing scientific knowledge together with the experience of people living with the condition. Cyprus, he said, has long experience in the prevention and treatment of haemoglobinopathies, with the prevention programme, the work of health professionals and research institutions, and the contribution of organised patients and their families all playing a significant part in the progress achieved.
New treatments and patient care
Charalambides stressed that scientific developments are broadening treatment options and creating new expectations, and said the state has a responsibility to examine how this progress can be safely integrated into care and made accessible to the patients who need it. Early diagnosis, systematic monitoring and access to effective treatments remain priorities for the health ministry, he added. He made particular reference to the need for care of people living with thalassaemia to extend beyond the medical management of the condition. Psychological and social support should form part of their care, he said, while reliable information for patients and their families is essential so they know the options available and can take a meaningful part in decisions that affect them. The minister also underlined the importance of involving patients in health policy design, saying cooperation between the ministry, the relevant services, the scientific community and patient organisations helps identify difficulties and assess how interventions work in practice. He described the Pancyprian Thalassaemia Association as an important partner, recognising its long-standing work, its advocacy for patients’ rights and its contribution to raising public awareness.
Blood supply in focus
Charalambides placed particular emphasis on the adequacy of the blood supply, which he said has a direct bearing on the continuity of treatment for thalassaemia patients. It requires responsible planning by the state as well as steady public participation in voluntary blood donation, he said, describing citizens’ contribution as an essential pillar in securing the transfusions needed. The health ministry is monitoring needs and preparing coordinated action to boost blood donation. According to the minister, an initiative has already been launched to mobilise the business community, in cooperation with relevant bodies and organisations, to encourage employees to take part in organised blood drives. The aim, he said, is to increase the number of regular donors and make the supply of blood more sustainable over time. He called on businesses and their employees to support the initiative and expressed the state’s gratitude to citizens who already donate blood voluntarily.
The minister thanked health professionals, scientists, researchers and everyone contributing to the treatment of thalassaemia, saying the state must support their work in practice. In closing, he said that blood adequacy and advances in treatment are linked to the same basic human expectation, that people with thalassaemia can go on with their lives without uncertainty over their next transfusion and without their care becoming a constant struggle.
Association warns of critical months ahead
Addressing the conference, Pancyprian Thalassaemia Association president Miltos Miltiades spoke about the association’s work and the need for an adequate blood supply. Turning to the health minister, he said Charalambides had shown that he is present, which signals that the association will have his support. He added that the next three months will be critical for building up stocks that allow for long-term planning.
