Theme: “Be aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap”

World Health Organization created the International Thalassemia Day, marked annually on May 8. It is a brilliant opportunity to help people with the condition live healthier, longer, and more productive lives by empowering them through knowledge sharing, information exchange, targeted awareness activities, and quality Thalassemia.

Thalassemia Disease is an inherited blood disorder that passes from parents to children. There are several types of thalassemia whose treatment depends on type and severity. This disease affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells.

We can say that a person suffering from thalassemia has some red blood cells and very little hemoglobin. The effects can be mild to severe and life-threatening.

Thalassaemia-treating physicians must know how to detect early and accurately diagnose the condition, interact effectively with competent authorities and provide patients with the best possible care.

This day commemorates all thalassemia patients and their parents who, despite the burden of their illness, have never lost hope of life, as well as all the hard-working scientists committed to improving the quality of their care for people with thalassemia around the world.

SYMPTOMS OF THALASSEMIA

Did you know that most babies with beta-thalassemia and certain types of alpha-thalassemia have no symptoms until the age of 6 months because it is said that newborns have another type of hemoglobin called fetal hemoglobin.

And after 6 months, normal hemoglobin begins to replace the fetal type and symptoms can occur like:

• Drowsiness and tiredness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Delayed growth
• Headache
• Jaundice and pale skin
• Dizziness and discomfort
• Dark urine
• Bone deformities

PREVENTION OF THALASSEMIA

• Parents suffering from thalassemia should consult a doctor and attend genetic counselling. This can give some idea on reducing the risk of thalassemia in their kids.
• Pregnant women should undergo prenatal tests to detect thalassemia before birth of the child.
• Get in touch with consultants or doctors for information regarding immunization for children to manage the disorder.

AIMS OF THE WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY

• Awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and lifestyle.
• If a person suffers from thalassemia before marriage, it is important to consult a doctor.
• Awareness of the importance of immunization for the health of children, society, and the world.
• Correct misunderstandings about vaccinations.

The TIF, also known as the International Thalassemia Federation, is a type of nongovernmental organization as well as a non-profit organization that encourages people to celebrate thalassemia day by organizing it better in every country.

Thalassemia Day organizes many types of activities, such as government health issues, to help people understand the importance of thalassemia prevention.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY

• Create awareness through social media platforms by educating people about the disease, prevention and treatment.
• We should raise different types of banners and posters on walls and many other places to educate people about thalassemia.
• People should be encouraged to donate blood to younger generations to heal or prevent thalassemia.
• Organize a health event for the day to help people understand the importance of thalassemia prevention.

More education about thalassemia can lead to better care!

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