Health Minister Michael Damianos, in a statement marking World Thalassaemia Day on Thursday, said that Cyprus has made significant progress in combating the disease.

“Our country currently ranks first worldwide in terms of the longevity of people with thalassaemia – a decisive indication of victory over the disease, but also a reminder that new, complex challenges are emerging that require adaptation and scientific innovation”, he concluded.

“Once a prisoner of thalassaemia,” Damianos said, “through collective effort, Cyprus has contributed to changing the face of the disease.”

He emphasised that thanks to widespread blood donations, which fully cover the needs of all thalassemia patients, and the provision of free diagnosis and treatment, Cyprus has managed to significantly reduce the number of new cases.

Damianos also highlighted the contribution of organised patient groups such as the Cyprus Thalassaemia Association, saying they have played “a decisive role in this historic transformation.”

“Cyprus has succeeded in reducing affected births by more than 80 per cent,” he said, referring to the national thalassaemia programme launched in 1981.

He added that there has also been notable progress in improving the quality of life for thalassaemia patients, with more people pursuing higher education and entering the labour market.

More than 1,400 people in Cyprus live with thalassaemia, a chronic, inherited blood disorder that often requires lifelong transfusions and close monitoring.