International ITP Alliance

The primary mission of the International ITP Alliance is to educate, raise awareness, and provide a global voice for those affected by ITP. The alliance works to increase disease awareness and improve the quality of life of patients through international collaboration.

The inception of the Alliance dates back to June 2016 in Copenhagen during the EHA annual congress. Caroline Kruse, president of the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) in the USA, and Derek Elston from the ITP Support Association in the UK shared their vision for a collaborative global effort. This vision was further solidified during a dinner conversation.

Their collaboration led to the first official meeting, held in September 2016 in Melksham, UK, and attended by representatives from Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, India, the USA, and the UK. Since then, the alliance has grown, establishing connections with support groups in over 30 countries by 2024.

ITP Australia and New Zealand (ITPANZ) joined the International ITP Alliance in July 2019 and attended its meeting in Washington, D.C., USA. Inspired by the dedication and collaborative spirit of the Alliance members, ITPANZ intensified its advocacy efforts and expanded its mission to better support the ITP community at home.

Since then, we have actively participated in the Alliance, joining the Management Board and contributing to its initiatives. The organisation is proud to host the next International ITP Alliance meeting in Sydney, Australia, coinciding with its annual patient conference. This event will provide a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and strategies to further the alliance’s mission.

The International ITP Alliance is committed to educational initiatives that address two key areas:

• Support for Countries Without Support Groups: In regions lacking dedicated ITP support, the alliance’s website, GlobalITP.org, is a valuable resource. It offers comprehensive information about ITP and updates on the latest research. The site also provides a directory of affiliated associations, helping patients find nearby support in their native language.
• Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The alliance encourages member organisations to exchange knowledge and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment for improving patient care and organizational effectiveness.

International ITP Awareness Week, held in the last week of September, is a cornerstone of the Alliance’s efforts. This global event engages communities through social media campaigns, educational initiatives, and local activities to raise awareness about ITP.

Participants are urged to wear purple #IsporTpurPle4PlateletsDay, share their personal stories #ITPAware and contribute to the worldwide movement to #LightUp4ITP’ with landmarks and public spaces in various countries will be illuminated in purple to draw attention to the condition.