All information contained has been taken from published reports and reviews and TIF can provide the reader upon request with relevant publication( s) on any subject or issue discussed in this book. This book, together with the game "Play and learn about thalassaemia" and a cartoon book "About thalassaemia" still in preparation but following soon will assist patients of all ages and their parents to become familiar with thalassaemia, and its treatment. It is also hoped that these publications will play a useful role in familiarising patients and parents with many of the medical terms they may come across when interacting with medical staff or reading about thalassaemia in more scientifically-oriented books and journals. Patients with chronic diseases in countries with established policies on raising public awareness and for the control of thalassaemia and other genetic disorders are often well educated about their disease, and are continually seeking information and updates on new developments. However, patients in developing countries often need more support in acquiring reliable and up-to-date information -- information that is crucial both to help them in their own, individual fight against the disease, and the broader fight to ensure that governments put in place policies for appropriate treatment. Finally, this book includes a small chapter on how to prevent the birth of a child affected by thalassaemia -- an important subject both from a public health perspective, as well as in terms of ensuring the quality of treatment provided to existing patients. Additional births of affected children seriously limit the resources available for providing appropriate clinical care for existing patients.
Dr Androulla Eleftheriou
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