About Us
Our History
The Malta Bleeding Disorders Society (MBDS) is a non-profit, autonomous, voluntary organisation which was set up in 2019. This society is currently the only national organisation which provides a fellowship for people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, as well as their carers.
The society is registered with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations in Malta – VO number 1712.
The MBDS gained associate membership with the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) in 2020 and membership with the European Haemophilia Consortium in 2021. Among other targets, we work towards developing comprehensive care for all local persons with bleeding disorders. We organise various campaigns aimed at raising awareness, improving education and advocacy.
Meet the Committee
The Executive Committee manages the affairs of the MBDS. It’s elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting at least once every two years. The Committee is made up of a mixture of patients with haemophilia, family members and health professionals.
Dr James Gauci
President
Dr Jonathan Gauci
Secretary
Prof Alexander Gatt
Medical Advisor
Ms Chanel Cilia
Awareness Campaign Co-ordinator
Ms Iliana Chatzifragkou
Member
Ms Jacqueline Cilia
Member
Ms Chanel Cilia and Ms Iliana Chatzifragkou serve as the liaison officers for Women with Bleeding Disorders with the EHC. Ms Jacqueline Cilia is the representative for Inhibitors with the EHC and is also a committee member of the European Rare and Inhibitor Network.
Ambitions and Strategic Priorities
Our ambitions include better access to novel treatments and enhanced awareness about bleeding disorders. In 2023, the MBDS committee established strategic priorities to guide its course of action.
Our Journey
Learn about the key milestones in the development of the Malta Bleeding Disorders Society.
MBDS Founded
The Malta Bleeding Disorders Society was established as a non-profit, autonomous, voluntary organization to support the bleeding disorders community in Malta.
WFH Associate Membership
MBDS gained associate membership with the World Federation of Haemophilia, strengthening international connections and access to global resources.
EHC Membership
MBDS became a full member of the European Haemophilia Consortium, enabling closer collaboration with European partners in advocacy and care standards.
Strategic Priorities Established
The MBDS committee established four strategic priorities to guide advocacy work, community engagement, diagnosis support, and resource development.
WFH Twinning Project
Launched a four-year Hemophilia Organization Twinning Project with The Haemophilia Society (UK) to strengthen advocacy and community engagement.