[In Focus] Incorporating national disease burden in GBD estimates of haemoglobinopathies in Italy

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study represents an incredible source of information to quantify and understand the magnitude and impact of all conditions, including common and rare diseases, on patients’ quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests that detailed national studies are needed to inform, calibrate, and validate GBD estimates. This need is also supported by action on local GBD network, such as the Italian GBD network, cross-talking with the global GBD network.