World Thalassemia Day: 8 May
‘World Thalassemia Day’ is organized across the world every year on 08 May. Its aim is to raise awareness regarding serious genetic disorders like Thalassemia and the struggle of patients suffering from it.
The day also honors doctors and other medical personnel dedicated to improving the lives of victims and scientists working towards eradicating the disease.
About Thalassemia
- Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the ability of red blood cells to make hemoglobin.
- In this, the blood cells do not carry oxygen in sufficient quantity, due to which the body parts are deficient in oxygen.
- Its main types are Thalassemia major, Thalassemia intermedia and Thalassemia minor.
- This disorder is hereditary and occurs when a child inherits the thalassemia gene from both parents.
- Thalassemia can be detected before pregnancy through pre-natal testing.
- This persistent blood disorder causes the patient’s red blood cells (RBCs) to not produce enough hemoglobin, leading to anemia and requiring patients to receive blood transfusions every two to three weeks to survive.
- The severity of the disease depends on the mutations involved in the genes and their interactions.
World Thalassemia Day 2024 Theme
The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All.” (“Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All.”).
History
- Thalassemia is a serious inherited blood disorder that was discovered in 1925. But there was very little awareness about it.
- In the year 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) started a special program against Thalassemia.
- On 8 May 1994, WHO announced to celebrate “World Thalassemia Day” for the first time.
FAQs
When is World Thalassemia Day organized?
08 May.
In which year was this day celebrated for the first time?
In 1994.
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