On Friday, 14 March 2025, the International ITP Alliance held the first of its two in-person meetings for the year in Sydney, bringing together key stakeholders from the global ITP community. This gathering served as a platform for meaningful discussions, strategic planning, and collaboration, representing a significant step forward in raising awareness for those living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

A primary focus of the meeting was the 10th annual 2025 ITP Awareness Week. Participants shared successful initiatives from their countries, exchanging ideas to refine strategies for this milestone event. The goal remains clear: to increase global awareness of ITP and elevate the voices and experiences of those affected by this rare disease. Discussions included plans for digital campaigns and collaborative partnerships with organisations worldwide, all aligned with the #PaintTheTownPurple4ITP initiative. This initiative will amplify visibility and highlight the wealth of resources available to ITP patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

International ITP Alliance – Management Board
Barbara Lovrencic (Italy), Caroline Kruse (USA), Mervyn Morgan (UK), Mieke Budel (Netherlands), Danielle Boyle (Australia)

In an exciting development, the Management Board welcomed Mervyn Morgan of the UK ITP Support Association as its newest member. Mervyn received unanimous votes and joins Chair Caroline Kruse from the Platelet Disorder Support Association (USA and Canada), Vice Chair Barbara Lovrencic from AIPIT (Italy), Danielle Boyle from ITP Australia and New Zealand (Aus & NZ), and members Ineke Steemkamp and Mieke Budel from  ITP Patiëntenvereniging Nederland (Netherlands). Mervyn’s extensive experience leading the UK organisation has profoundly impacted the ITP community, and his dedication will further enhance the Alliance’s work to support those living with ITP worldwide.

The meeting also strengthened the Alliance’s collaboration with industry partners, whose contributions drive innovation, enhance treatment options, and ensure that patient voices are central to developing new therapies. By fostering these partnerships, the Alliance continues to champion the needs of the global ITP community.

Representatives from countries across the globe joined the discussions, highlighting the Alliance’s expansive reach. In addition to Australia and New Zealand, attendees included participants from Italy, Brazil, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and the USA. This broad participation underscored the shared international commitment to increasing awareness and support for those affected by ITP.

This meeting in Sydney reaffirmed the Alliance’s dedication to collaboration, patient empowerment, and advancing the understanding of ITP. With the leadership of new board members like Mervyn Morgan and the continued support of our partners, the International ITP Alliance is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the year ahead, culminating in a memorable and impactful 2025 ITP Awareness Week.