Every year on May 8th, International Thalassaemia Day commemorates thalassaemia patients who are no longer with us. According to the latest statistics, around 280 million people throughout the world have thalassaemia. About 439,000 have a severe form of the disease.
This year the theme is “ Addressing Health Inequalities Across the Global Thalassaemia Community”
INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY HISTORY
The president and founder of TIF(Thalassaemia International Federation), Panos Englezos, established International Thalassaemia Day in 1994. He created the day in memory of his son, George, who lost his life to thalassaemia. Each year the TIF creates a special theme for the day.
Recent themes have included:
2020: The dawning of a new era for thalassaemia: Time for a global effort to make novel therapies accessible and affordable to patients.
2019: Universal access to quality thalassaemia healthcare services: Building bridges with and for patients.
2018: Thalassaemia past, present, and future: Documenting progress and patients’ needs worldwide.
2017: Get connected: Share knowledge and experience and fight for a better tomorrow in thalassaemia.
2016: Access to safe and effective drugs in thalassaemia.
What is Thalassaemia?
Thalassaemia is a genetic hemoglobin disorder. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. The function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen via blood. A person with thalassaemia has less than normal amounts of hemoglobin. It usually requires multiple blood transfusions on regular basis.
What are the symptoms of Thalassaemia disease?
- Drowsiness and Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Delayed growth
- Headaches
- Jaundice and pale skin
- Dizziness and faintness
- Greater susceptibility to infections etc.
What is Objective of World Thalassaemia Day?
To raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms and ways to live with it.
- If a person is suffering from thalassaemia, to raise awareness that before marriage it is important to consult a doctor.
- To raise awareness about the importance of vaccination for children’s health, society and the whole world.
- Redress misconceptions about vaccinations.
Dr Harsh Shah
Liver, Pancreas & Cancer specialist in Ahmedabad, India
Celiac Awareness Month 2021