World Thalassaemia Day 2024: Know Theme, Objective and Significance of the day

World Thalassemia Day 2024: May 8 is observed as World Thalassemia Day to spread awareness about Thalassemia as a blood disease and the myths associated with the disease and help patients lead a normal life. The day also touches on the social stigma that comes with living with the disease or living with it. Doctors and medical professionals are also recognized on this day for their efforts in helping patients and bringing about progress.

This day is celebrated to encourage those battling the disease. This day is a day of remembrance to commemorate all thalassemia patients and their parents who, despite bearing the burden of the disease, never lost hope in life; and to all those who work hard, with dedication, and strive to improve the quality of thalassemia. Tribute to scientists. Bringing life protection to thalassemia patients around the world.

What is thalassemia?

This is a hereditary blood disorder that is passed from parents to children. There are many types of thalassemia, and treatment depends on its type and severity. In this disease, the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells is affected. Or we can say that a person with thalassemia will have few red blood cells and very little hemoglobin. The effects can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. The disease is most common in people of Mediterranean, South Asian and African ancestry.

Therefore, this day is dedicated to Thalassemia patients to provide them a special opportunity to live like normal human beings and prevent the spread of the disease within society, state, community, country etc.

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World Thalassemia Day 2024: Theme

The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2024 is “Empowering lives, embracing progress: equitable and accessible thalassemia treatment for all”.

The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2022 is “Aware, Share, Care: Working with the international community to improve knowledge about thalassemia.”

The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2021 is “Addressing health inequalities in the global thalassemia community”.

The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2020 is “A new era in thalassemia: it’s time for a global effort to bring new affordable treatments to patients”.

The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2019 is “Universal Access to Quality Thalassemia Healthcare: Building Bridges for Patients”.

The International Thalassemia Federation (TIF) organized 3 online competitions around the world based on the 2019 theme. Contests include a video challenge, photo contest and story contest. It shows solidarity with those suffering from the disease. Seminars, discussions and talks were held at various hospitals around the world to design new technologies and drugs to combat this genetic disorder. Several awareness campaigns and free screening camps have also been organized to create awareness about the disease.

The theme for 2018 is: “Thalassemia past, present and future: documenting progress and patient needs worldwide”.

The theme for 2017 is “Connect! Share knowledge and experience and strive for a better tomorrow for thalassemia”.

The theme for 2016 is “Access to safe and effective thalassemia drugs.”

The theme for 2015 is “Strengthening partnerships to build patient-centered health systems: good health leads to longer lives!”

How to celebrate World Thalassemia Day?

Organize activities and events in public places such as schools, colleges and educational institutions to educate people about the disease, its symptoms and preventive measures. Additionally, patients and their families are encouraged to participate in the event to gain knowledge about the disease. Let us tell you that Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), a patient-led non-profit NGO, is actively involved in organizing the celebrations of the event along with its concerned members in several countries. Not only this, the World Health Organization and other health agencies are also concerned about the basic rights of thalassemia patients.

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Posters and banners have also been prepared to make people aware about this. Activities such as debates on health-related topics, discussions on thalassemia, quality of life of patients, etc. were also organized. TIF also disseminates information about hemoglobin disorders, hemoglobin disorders and iron deficiency to people, especially young people. Educational materials on thalassemia disease are even being distributed to the people and youth.

World Thalassemia Day: Goals

  • Raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms and ways to cope. If a person suffers from thalassemia, please create awareness that it is important to consult a doctor before marriage.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations to children’s health, society and the world. Correcting misconceptions about vaccination.

What are the symptoms of thalassemia?

  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • stunted growth
  • Headache
  • Jaundice and pale skin
  • dizzy
  • More susceptible to infection, etc.

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