Dennis Duncan speaks with Gabriel Theophanous and Photoulla Wilson, both thalassaemia patients and members of the UK Thalassaemia Society (UKTS).

International Thalassaemia Day 2025 shines a light on beta thalassaemia, a lifelong, inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cell production and oxygen transport in the body. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, poor growth, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. Though historically concentrated in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, beta thalassaemia now appears more widely due to global migration. Today, an estimated 290,000 people live with the condition worldwide, with around 1,400 patients registered in the UK as of 2024.

Gabriel Theophanous, Operations Manager at the UK Thalassaemia Society, highlights the often invisible burden of living with thalassaemia. Beyond physical symptoms, individuals may face social isolation, emotional strain, and the logistical challenges of frequent blood transfusions. Families and caregivers are also deeply affected—often taking time off work and bearing financial and emotional responsibilities. Raising awareness is essential, especially within at-risk communities, to support early diagnosis and appropriate care. In the UK, there are currently ten screening centres dedicated to thalassaemia.

Today’s event is supported by Vertex, a global biotech company committed to tackling serious diseases through innovation. With their support, the UK Thalassaemia Society continues its mission to educate the public and healthcare professionals, advocate for improved treatment, and provide crucial emotional and practical support to those impacted. On this International Thalassaemia Day, the focus is clear: thalassaemia is a lifelong condition that demands lifelong awareness, compassion, and action.