Celebrated every year on the 8th of May, International Thalassaemia Day is observed to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about Thalassaemia.
Since 1994, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) has organised a wide range of events for International Thalassaemia Day with the goal of attracting the attention of the general public, patient associations, public authorities, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives, in order to foster debate and encourage action on a specific theme related to the prevention, management, or treatment of the disease in a patient-centered way.
On this day, various local and international groups, patient associations, government agencies, and medical experts get together to raise awareness of the value of patient-centered prenatal screening, counselling, prevention, management, or treatment of Thalassemia.
World Thalassemia Day (WTD): and its Significance: An inherited (genetically transmitted) autosomal recessive illness called Thalassaemia is acquired from the parent(s), either one or both. Due to a genetic mutation, it affects red blood cells and causes a reduction in the alpha and/or beta globin chains of hemoglobin. As a result, there is insufficient synthesis of red blood cells and inadequate oxygenated blood flow to the body's organs, leading to anaemia. In India, there are 40 lakh carriers and over one lakh Thalassemia sufferers.
56,000 pregnancies globally are affected by Thalassemia, of which 30,000 have Thalassemia major, and the majority of these individuals were born in developing or undeveloped countries. Major Thalassemia treatment can be very costly and may need stem cell transplants, ongoing blood transfusions, and chelation therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to stop congenital abnormalities (such as Thalassemia) from developing before birth rather than continuing to try to treat the problem after delivery.
Prenatal screening can help detect Thalassemia at the foetal stage, and raising local awareness of the problem is essential for reducing the prevalence of Thalassemia. One of the opportunistic venues for private and public organisations to conduct public education and healthcare campaigns for expectant mothers, including genetic testing, counselling, and prenatal diagnosis, is World Thalassemia Day. Additionally, new methods or policies for Thalassemia patients may be planned or put into effect on this day, such as offering free blood transfusions or financial aid.
The theme for World Thalassemia day 2023 is "Be Aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap". This is a continuation of 2022's "Be Aware. Share. Care" initiative. a plea for the provision of quality healthcare and comprehensive education about illness awareness, prenatal screening, and symptom treatment in order to maximise disease knowledge and boost morale among all people with Thalassemia, particularly in rural areas.
Why is International No Diet Day celebrated on May 6?
May 6: The Birth anniversary of freedom fighter Motilal Nehru