World Thalassemia Day

World Thalassaemia Day observed every year on 8th May reminds everyone to create awareness about thalassemia and encourage them to fight the disease. Thalassemic patients have fewer red blood cells circulating in their blood and can suffer from mild or severe anemia.

Highlights :

World Thalassemia Day is observed on 8th May every year
On this day, awareness of thalassemia is spread across the world
Encouraging thalassemic patients can help them fight the disease bravely

World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on 8th May. The objective of this day is to create awareness about thalassemia among the general public around the world.

Test Your Knowledge on Thalassemia
Thalassemia is one of the several inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis and marked by varying degrees of anemia. It is a fairly common cause of anemia especially among certain ethnic populations and it is important to be aware of this condition. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about Thalassemia.

‘World Thalassaemia Day observed every year on 8th May reminds everyone to create awareness about thalassemia and encourage them to fight the disease. Thalassemic patients have fewer red blood cells circulating in their blood and can suffer from mild or severe anemia.’
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What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, has fewer red blood cells circulating in the blood of thalassemic patients. They usually suffer from mild or severe anemia.

Thalassemia symptoms are usually visible before the child is two years of age. First few months after birth, anemia occurs and slowly progresses to severe anemia. The most common signs and symptoms of thalassemia include paleness, jaundice and susceptibility to infections, low appetite and enlarged organs (especially, the spleen).

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent a fatality. Currently, blood transfusion, gene therapy, iron-chelation and a non-iron diet, dietary supplements are few available treatments.

Gaps in Guidelines for Certifying Thalassemia as a Disability
Analysis of a policy with erroneous guidelines for certification of thalassemia as a disability under the Rights of People with Disabilities Bill 2016.

Objectives of Celebrating World Thalassemia Day:

The objectives of celebrating this 27th World Thalassemia day are:

To create awareness on Thalassemia, its symptoms and ways to live with it
To create awareness on the importance of consulting a doctor early
To create awareness on the importance of vaccinating children, society and the whole world
To improve knowledge and address misconceptions about vaccinations

Drugs for Thalassemia
View list of generic and brand names of drugs used for treatment of Thalassemia. Find more information including dose, side effects of the Thalassemia medicine.

Thalassemia in India

India is known as the ‘Thalassemia Capital’ of the world and has over 50 million carriers, i.e., 4% of the Indian population.

Every year, approximately 10,000–15,000 children are born with Thalassemia and more than 100,000 thalassemia majors in India are dependent on blood transfusions.

About 2 lakh units of blood are required per month, as thalassemia patients are dependent on blood transfusion. However, there is a lack of national policy on thalassemia.

The need of the hour is to have the policy, as it helps create awareness about the disease, ensures treatment for all, and strategies to prevent its spread of the disease.

https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/positive-gene-editing-for-sickle-cell-disease-and-beta-thalassemia-187056-1.htm
New approach to gene editing for major blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia has been optimized. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can edit out diseased genes in blood disorders.

Thalassemia during COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially on thalassemia patients. Most hospitals have turned into COVID-19 treating units and thalassemia patients are at risk of infection. Therefore, doctors have been convincing patients to visit smaller clinics and centers for their treatment. Also, recently, there has been a lack of blood supply, donors, and operations since the lockdown in India.

There’s a piece of good news for all Thalassemia patients, i.e., they are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 through blood transfusion or blood donation process, as respiratory viruses are not transmitted by donation or transfusion. Therefore, doctors and nurses urge donors to offer help while maintaining safe social distancing norms and infection control guidelines.

Conclusion

On this World Thalassemia Day, let us all come together to raise awareness about the disease and help our fellow citizens in their time of need. If you find any of your family members have thalassemia, immediately talk to your doctor, as early diagnosis and treatment can help save their life.

References:

Thalassemia - (https://www.nhp.gov.in/thalassemia_pg)
World Thalassemia Day - (https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/healthDay/2020/Pages/HealthDay-2020-05-08.aspx )
Blood Transfusion in Thalassemia : Saviour or Tormentor? - (https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/health-files/blood-transfusion-in-thalassemia-saviour-or-tormentor/3557)
Blood Donation Facts - (https://www.friends2support.org/inner/about/blood.aspx)

Source-Medindia