World Thalassemia Day is marked on May 8. (Image: Shutterstock)
Thalassemia patients often develop anaemia. The initial symptoms of thalassaemia are fatigue, slow growth, abdominal swelling, dark urine, etc.
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder which occurs when the body is unable to produce enough haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The initial symptoms of thalassaemia are fatigue, slow growth, abdominal swelling, dark urine, etc. Thalassemia patients often develop anaemia which is why they need life-saving blood transfusions. The frequency of blood transfusions depends on the type of thalassemia. For instance, those with beta-thalassemia major may need a transfusion every once a month, while those with less severe thalassemia may need blood transfusions occasionally. To spread awareness on this, World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on May 8.
World Thalassemia Day: History
The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 1986 by a group of patients and parents representing thalassaemia associations in Cyprus, Greece, the UK, the USA and Italy. TIF first celebrated World Thalassemia Day on May 8, 1994. The day was established in memory of TIF President Panos Englezos’ son, George, who fought the disease.
Over the years, TIF has worked with governments to ensure equitable thalassaemia treatment and early diagnosis. It has funded awareness campaigns and research on thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders across the world.
World Thalassemia Day: Significance
As per estimates by TIF, there are 100 million people worldwide who carry genes responsible for thalassaemia. Annually, about 3,00,000 babies are born with severe forms of the disease.
The early detection of thalassemia during pregnancy via blood tests of both parents can help reduce the population of those born with thalassemia. Additionally, the early diagnosis of thalassemia makes treatment easier. Observing World Thalassemia Day increases awareness about the disease and automatically aids its prevention.
World Thalassemia Day 2024 Theme
The theme for this year’s World Thalassemia Day is, “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All.”
As per the Thalassaemia International Federation, the 2024 theme aims to empower all people living with thalassaemia by promoting advances in treatment options.
It highlights the world’s collective responsibility to treat and prevent this disease. The theme also asserts that thalassaemia care and treatment should be accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their economic or social circumstances.
World Thalassemia Day: Quotes
- You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives. Just donate blood and be a lifesaver. Blood donation is safe and simple.
- This World Thalassemia Day, let us all spread awareness about blood donation and thank the blood donors for their selfless work because there is no greater deed than saving a soul.
- Heroes come in all blood types! Pledge to donate blood on this World Thalassemia Day.
- A blood donor is a lifesaver. This World Thalassemia Day consider donating blood at your nearest blood bank.
- There are so many people out there suffering from thalassaemia and they need our help. Let us step out and donate blood. Happy World Thalassaemia Day to all.
