Press Statement – World Thyroid Day 2026
On the occasion of World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week 2026, the Serbian Thyroid Society proudly presents The Missing Piece, a large-scale mural by renowned street artist TKV (The Kraljica Vila) in Belgrade’s Silosi cultural district.
At a formal event attended by national media, the mural will be unveiled and will remain as a permanent installation. A QR code linking to the symptom checker on the website of the Serbian Thyroid Society is placed next to the mural.
The Silo venue is visited by more than 10,000 people each week, so the mural and QR code will remain as a lasting symbol in Belgrade and help raise awareness about the importance of regular check-ups.
An artist TKV who has a family history of thyroid disease and personal experience with thyroid disorders also took an active part in the campaign, taking part in media and social media. The founders of Silosi also supported the initiative and presented the event as hosts.
The mural portrays four women of different generations wearing butterfly masks — a powerful symbol of the thyroid gland, transformation, balance, and inner strength. Through this artwork, the campaign encourages women to listen more carefully to their bodies’ signals and recognize that symptoms of thyroid disease are often subtle, hidden, and easily overlooked.
The puzzle motifs in the background symbolize the “missing piece” behind many unexplained symptoms and remind us that thyroid disorders frequently remain undiagnosed. It is estimated that more than 350 million people worldwide live with thyroid disease, while up to 60% remain unaware of their condition.
The Serbian Thyroid Society organized the campaign with support from Merck to raise public awareness of the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid diseases.
Located only 1.5 kilometers from Republic Square, the monumental Silosi complex on the banks of the Danube serves as a unique meeting point for art, public health, and urban culture, making this initiative visible to thousands of visitors and citizens. As part of the campaign, visitors can scan a QR code displayed near the mural and complete a short symptom checker to assess their potential risk for thyroid disorders.
