Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ role in promoting patient-centred health innovation was highlighted during a visit by Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides to the Thalassaemia International Federation, where talks focused on artificial intelligence, digital tools and global cooperation for people living with thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies.
TIF mission and priorities
According to a statement, the visit brought together Skourides and the federation’s leadership team, with TIF executive director Androulla Eleftheriou presenting the organisation’s international mission, strategic priorities and long-standing work to strengthen care, research, policy guidance and patient advocacy across health systems worldwide.
Eleftheriou described TIF as a global reference point for the thalassaemia community, citing its role in providing guidance, promoting best practices, supporting research, advising policymakers and ensuring that patients remain central to decisions affecting their care.
National Strategy for Blood
She also referred to recent developments linked to the National Strategy for Blood, stressing the importance of coordinated policy, prevention, patient-centred planning, quality care and equitable access to safe and effective blood services.
For decades, the federation has brought together patients, families, clinicians, researchers, governments, public authorities and international organisations around a common purpose of improving care, advancing knowledge and enhancing quality of life for people affected by thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies.
Focus on digital tools and artificial intelligence
The meeting placed particular emphasis on how digital innovation, chatbot technologies and responsible artificial intelligence can expand TIF’s global reach and impact.
Participants said such tools could provide real-time, accessible support to patients and families, improve access to trusted information and help healthcare professionals stay informed about emerging therapies, clinical trials, scientific developments and international treatment guidelines.
Patient-centred use of technology
“For the thalassaemia community, access to knowledge is access to life,” Eleftheriou said.
“Through guidance, research, policy advisory and digital innovation, including chatbot tools, TIF works every day to ensure that no patient is left behind, providing real-time, accessible services to communities around the world,” she added.
The discussion also underlined that technology should not be treated as an end in itself, and that artificial intelligence must serve people, support medical expertise and strengthen health systems without replacing human judgement or person-centred care.
