World Thalassemia Day - Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap
Highlights:
- Every year on May 8, the global community celebrates World Thalassemia Day to increase awareness of the challenges faced by patients with Thalassemia
- Thalassemia, a genetic disease that is inherited from parents and results in a decrease in hemoglobin levels and reduced red blood cell production
- Through World Thalassemia Day celebrations, greater attention is given to the difficulties faced by individuals affected by this genetic disease
Every year World Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8. The day creates awareness to honor the struggle of patients suffering from the disease and commemorates all the people who are no longer with us while renewing our promise to keep fighting until the final cure for thalassemia is found (1✔).
The efforts of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, scientists, and medical staff, are also recognized on this day for their commitment to enhancing the lives of Thalassemia patients.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, results in insufficient hemoglobin production, causing the destruction and weakening of blood cells.‘Every year on May 8, World Thalassemia Day is celebrated to honor patients battling Thalassemia and to increase awareness of the disease.’
Thalassemia, which is typically inherited from parents to their children, was initially described in medical literature following its discovery in 1925 by American physician Thomas Cooley (2✔).
Thalassemia is classified into two types, alpha, and beta, with subcategories including a minor, intermedia, and major, and its symptoms include abdominal swelling, dark urine, slow growth, and weakness (2✔).
Establishment of Thalassemia Federation
The Thalassemia International Federation established May 8th as International Thalassemia Day in 1994 in memory of George Englezos (the son of TIF's President and Founder, Mr. Panos Englezos) and other Thalassemia patients who have passed away, as a way of commemorating their lives (3✔).Considering the social prejudice against the disease, organizations like Anemia Association and a small group of healthcare professionals helped raise awareness about thalassemia and support the needs of patients, contributing to the personal and social success of those with the condition (3✔).
Every year since 1994, International Thalassemia Day activities bring together patients, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and public authorities to discuss and address issues related to the disease (1✔).
The 2023 Theme
World Thalassemia Day observes a specific theme each year to raise awareness. The theme for World Thalassemia Day 2023 is "Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap" (2✔)."Let us not forget how much of a struggle it is for people suffering from thalassemia. Let us support them and make this life easier for them" (2✔).
Global Effort Against Thalassemia
The mission of TIF is the promotion and implementation of national control programs for the prevention and treatment of thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders in every affected country with a vision of equal access to quality health care for every patient with thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders across the world (4✔).Similar organizations and initiatives should actively participate in education, research, and networking at the forefront to fight against thalassemia.
There are so many people out there suffering from thalassemia and they need our help. Let us step out and donate blood. Happy World Thalassemia Day to all (2✔).
References:
- International Thalassaemia Day - (https:thalassaemia.org.cy/international-thalassaemia-day/)
- World Thalassaemia Day 2023 - May 8 History, Theme, Significance, Quotes - (https:guidely.in/blog/world-thalassaemia-day)
- When and how was the International Thalassaemia Day established? - (https:thalassaemia.org.cy/news/when-and-how-the-international-thalassaemia-day-2004-was-established/)
- Thalassaemia Projects - (https:thalassaemia.org.cy/what-we-do/projects/)
Source: Medindia
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Dr. Karishma Abhishek. (2023, May 09). World Thalassemia Day - Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 07, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/world-thalassemia-day-strengthening-education-to-bridge-the-thalassemia-care-gap-211695-1.htm.
MLA
Dr. Karishma Abhishek. "World Thalassemia Day - Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap". Medindia. Jan 07, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/world-thalassemia-day-strengthening-education-to-bridge-the-thalassemia-care-gap-211695-1.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Karishma Abhishek. "World Thalassemia Day - Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/world-thalassemia-day-strengthening-education-to-bridge-the-thalassemia-care-gap-211695-1.htm. (accessed Jan 07, 2025).
Harvard
Dr. Karishma Abhishek. 2023. World Thalassemia Day - Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap. Medindia, viewed Jan 07, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/world-thalassemia-day-strengthening-education-to-bridge-the-thalassemia-care-gap-211695-1.htm.