International Thalassaemia Day(also known as World Thalassaemia Day) is annually observed across the globe on 8 May to raise awareness about Thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal.
- The day also celebrates the global thalassaemia community and advocates for equitable healthcare access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with the condition.
The observance is led by the Thalassaemia International Federation (ΤΙF) with the support of its 200+ member organisations.
Theme:
The theme of International Thalassaemia Day 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All”.
- The 2024 theme focuses on equitable access to diagnosis, treatments, and comprehensive care, ensuring treatment advances benefit all, irrespective of geographic or economic factors.
Background:
i.Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) established 8th May as International Thalassaemia Day (ITD) in 1994.
ii.Panos Englezos, president and founder of the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), established the inaugural World Thalassemia Day on 8th of May 1994.
iii.The day was established in memory of George Englezos, the son of Panos Englezos, who died of Thalassemia.
About Thalassaemia:
i.Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects a substance in the blood called haemoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport via red blood cells.
ii.Impact of Thalassaemia: Individuals may experience anaemia, characterised by fatigue, breathlessness, and paleness.
iii.Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through mutated haemoglobin genes.
Types of Thalassaemia:
i.Alpha thalassaemia: It is caused by a mutation (or change) in the gene (or instructions) that controls how much alpha globin to make.
ii.Beta thalassaemia: It occurs when similar gene defects affect the production of the beta-globin protein. Beta thalassemia is the most severe one.
Other Associated Health Issues:
Thalassaemia damages the heart, liver, lungs, and endocrine organs due to anaemia and iron accumulation.
- In addition, the patient may experience mental and social problems.
Note: Globally, an estimated 100 million people carry genes responsible for thalassaemia, and more than 300,000 babies are born annually with severe forms of the disease.
About Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF):
TIF is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 1986.
President– Panos Englezos
Headquarters– Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus
