Message from Chairperson, Organising Committee

Dear friends and colleagues

On behalf of Thalassaemia Society (Singapore) and Singapore, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to the 11th International Conference on Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies and the 13th International Thalassaemia International Federation Conference for Patients and Parents (International TIF Conference for Thalassaemia 2008). 

The International Thalassaemia Conference 2008 is jointly organised by the Thalassaemia Society (Singapore) (TSS), Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH). Thalassaemia Society (Singapore) is honoured and proud to host the Conferences in 2008. 

Though a relatively young and small society, TSS is vibrant and creative. Together with important partners and regional National Thalassaemia Associations, we have risen to the challenge of hosting the international conferences. This is testament to the unity and ability of all who are involved with Thalassaemia and underscores that Thalassaemia families and patients can and do contribute to the society at large. 

These conferences signal that Thalassaemia is recognised as an important healthcare concern in Asia. Singapore is a leader in providing successful nationwide Thalassaemia screening and long-term care such as blood donation and screening programmes among the best in the world and we are well poised to take the conferences to greater heights. As a destination, Singapore is the meeting place of Asian and Western influences. Asian health professionals, parents and patients will have easy access to the conferences while their worldwide counterparts will find Singapore a worthy destination to be in.

The parents and patients conference is a great opportunity for Thalassaemia parents and patients worldwide to interact and share experiences. The hope and mutual support experienced in this conference is crucial in building unity and support throughout the world.

The medical conference is an exciting chance for Asian Thalassaemia health professionals, including doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and students to meet up with their counterparts worldwide. Exciting opportunities to learn and share with health professionals worldwide would greatly enhance standards of care for Thalassaemia patients. Being one of the first centres with the MRI T2* elevates standards of care in Singapore and contributes to improving it in the region. This conference will live up to its slogan of "Equal Access to Quality Medical Care for Every Patient with Thalassaemia"

We look forward to your support and attendance and are excited to meet you in Singapore.

To a quality and meaningful life through effective management,


Derrick Lim
Chairperson, Organising Committee
President, Thalassaemia Society (Singapore)

Message from the President, TIF

Dear friends and colleagues

The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) is very pleased to announce the organisation of the above two joined Conferences in 2008 in Singapore. The one addressing the health specialists in the field is the 11th and the patients/parents one is the 13th in series.

I remember the proud day, in 1987, when TIF was officially registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to supporting patients and parents across the world in securing the best possible treatment. TIF's goal then was and continues to be the dissemination of knowledge, experiences and expertise gained in countries where effective control has been achieved to those in need. Improving survival and quality of life through establishing equal access to appropriate health services to each and every patient with Thalassaemia constitutes our mission and the focus of our work. 

These International Conferences are organised in the context of our educational programme-an important activity that the Federation has developed through the years towards promoting its mission and objectives. 

These events have a very unique character. They consist of two simultaneous conferences, one for patients and families and one for clinicians, health care professionals and scientists and are held in the same venue. Further to providing scientific and medical update, this international event provides a great opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experiences and very importantly for building up new existing relations and strengthening collaborations. 

TIF has been involved in the selection of venues for the Conferences targeting regions of the world of high prevalence and or in need of support and past conferences were hosted in North America, southern Europe, South East Asia and Middle East. 

The 11th International Conference on Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies and the 13th International TIF Conference for Thalassaemia Patients and Parents are being held in Singapore. A beautiful city located in the centre of highly affected regions of the world, with carrier rates reaching 20-30% in some locations. TIF is committed to reach and support large patient populations in as many ways as possible.

We are confident that the beauty of the region and the commitment of the hosts, the Singapore Thalassaemia Society, the expertise of the professional organising company undertaking its organisation and importantly the support of the Singapore Government through its Tourism Board, guarantee the success of these conferences. We anticipate this large biannual educational event to attract a large number of professionals, patients and families not only from the region but from across the globe; and TIF will make every effort to make these Conferences an unforgettable and a most fruitful event for everyone.

I look forward to meeting the global Thalassaemia family in Singapore in October 2008 for yet another interesting and stimulating conference.


Panos Englezos
Co-Chairperson, Organising Committee
President, Thalassaemia International Federation