Blood, Plasma and Human Tissues

Launch of EU Rapid Alert platform for human tissues and cells

On 1 February 2013 the European Commission launched a new Rapid Alert platform for Tissues and Cells (RATC) to exchange urgent information relating to human tissues or cells transferred across borders. In addition to tracking quality and safety defects in tissues and cells, the RATC can be used to raise the alarm on illegal and fraudulent activities, as well as on developing epidemiological situations (e.g. disease outbreaks) which may have cross-border implications. The Commission (...)

European Hematology Association (EHA)

Contact Details Mr Thom Duyvené de Wit Project Manager Medical Education & Policy Officer EHA Executive Office Koninginnegracht 12b 2514 AA The Hague THE NETHERLANDS Phone +31 70 3020099  +31 70 3020099      Fax +31 70 3923663 Email Contact info@ehaweb.org th.duyvenedewit@ehaweb.org s.smand@ehaweb.org Website http://www.ehaweb.org/

MEPs vote to support action on organ donation in the EU

MEPs have voted in favour of the report by Miroslav Mikolasik MEP (Slovakia, EPP), establishing quality and safety standards for transplantation of human organs in the EU. In December 2008, the European Commission adopted two mechanisms to address these issues: an Action Plan enhancing coordination and cooperation between Member States, and a Directive containing the basic safety and quality procedures for transplantation. The report of Mr Miroslav Mikolasik on the Directive was adopted (...)

2nd Pan-European Conference on Haemoglobinopathies

A pan-European conference, hosted by EPHA member Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), has called for closer collaboration between all stakeholders to secure optimal treatment and quality of life for patients living with haemoglobin disorders in Europe. The conclusion of the 2nd Pan-European Conference on Haemoglobinopathies, held on 13–14 March 2010 in Berlin, was that closer collaboration between medical and patient communities, as well as national and EU-level (...)

New e-MSc Course in Haemoglobinopathies

University College London (UCL) in collaboration with Thalassaemia International Federation is launching the first academic course for health professionals specialising in haemoglobinopathies. This unique e-learning course offers health professionals from around the world the opportunity to pursue a specialist qualification from a leading university with minimum disruption to professional and personal lives. The course will provide a thorough understanding of the holistic care and all (...)

Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) to hold two conferences in Singapore

11th International Conference on Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies & 13th International TIF Conference for Thalassaemia Patients and Parents 8–11 October 2008 Singapore This major biennial event is a highlight on the thalassaemia community calendar, attracting health professionals, patients and their families from around the world for five intensive days of informative presentations on the latest advances in the treatment, cure and prevention of thalassaemia and other (...)

Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF)

Contact Details Dr Androulla Eleftheriou P.O. Box 28807 2083 Nicosia CYPRUS Phone +357 22 319-129 Fax + 357 22 314-552 Email Contact thalassaemia@cytanet.com.cy Website http://www.thalassaemia.org.cy/

Tackling obesity in infancy

There is compelling evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity during childhood. While short-term benefits of breastfeeding are well established, possible long-term benefits beyond two years of age have been documented recently. Obesity has become a frequent nutritional disorder in children. It is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Breastfeeding’s beneficial effects on later cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure and plasma (...)

A new report on consent and confidentiality in genetic practices

The Royal College of Physicians and the British Society of Human Genetics have joined forces to publish a new report on Consent and confidentiality in genetic practices. It aims to develop guidance on: genetic testing ans sharing information, obtaining consent prior to genetic tests, regulations for giving and sharing genetic information with family members and between professionals, genetic investigations on stored human tissues. It comes timely with the highly sensitive debates (...)

Epha Report: Human egg trading - seminar in the European Parliament

On the 30 June 2005, a one-day seminar was organised in the European Parliament to discuss actions to take about « human egg trading and the exploitation of women ». It follows earlier action about the sale of human eggs for fertility treatment and bioethics in FP7. Eight MEPs sponsored the event: Hiltrud Breyer (Greens DE), Adamos Adamou (ALDE CY), Johannes Blokland (ID - NL), Maria Martens (EPP NL), Kathy Synnott (ID IRL) Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE SW), Patrizia Toia (ALDE IT), andAnna (...)