In the recent past, there appears to be an improvement in the quality of life of many patients with Thalassemia. This is not only because of scientific advances, but also because of the tremendous efforts of many individuals, including patients, parents, scientists, experts and medical organizations dedicated to certain institutions and countries, however such efforts have not been properly appreciated, until the launch of His Highness Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan International Thalassemia Award, whereby winners will be announced during the TIF 2013 congress every two years, while the awards ceremony will be held in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE was one of the first countries in the Arab region which dealt with Thalassemia wisely through the support of The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and then the support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and their brethren, the rulers of the UAE and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Such level of care and support has had a significant impact on the provision of treatment provided to patients with Thalassemia, with the establishment of the first center for Thalassemia in the region in 1989 in the Emirate of Dubai, and the opening of a new center for Thalassemia in the Emirate of Fujairah in 2011. The UAE’s efforts further continued with the adaptation of several laws regulating the examination before marriage, which contributed significantly to the decline in the number of new patients, and improved the quality of health services provided to patients who were able to live a normal life.