World Thalassemia Day observed
May 8 is World Thalassemia Day - celebrated every year to raise awareness among the people about the prevention of thalassemia. Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation (BTF), Sandhani, Medicine Club and Platform observed the day like every year, says a press release. This year's theme was "Addressing Health Inequality in Thalassemia Patients Worldwide."
Professor Dr Manjur Morshed, Hematology consultant , Asgar Ali Hospital, presented the keynote address at an online seminar organised by the BTF to mark the day.
Honorable Minister for Social Welfare, Nuruzzaman MP said in a message that the Bangladesh government is committed to controlling Thalassemia, and providing comprehensive financial assistance to help the patients.
Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Sultana Saida said, "Thalassemia is included in the government's policy through the activities of the Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation. We help registered patients with a lump sum of Rs 50,000 every year". She requested Thalassemia patients to register through the website of Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation.
Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin underscored the importance of preventing the disease through blood tests to diagnose Thalassemia carriers before marriage and called for greater public awareness and participation in the younger generation.
Special guest on the occasion, Vice President of Thalassemia International Federation - Shobha Tuli said that thalassemia patients and their families are victims of social discrimination due to economic inequality. They need to eliminate economic inequality for a better life and future.
Honorable Prime Minister has given a message on the occasion of the day. She emphasised on widespread public awareness and participation of the young generation in this regard. The Prime Minister said this in a message issued on Friday (May 7) on the occasion of World Thalassemia Day.
1 in 14 people in Bangladesh is a carrier of Thalassemia. Carriers of Thalassemia are diagnosed by a blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. Thalassemia has nothing to do with blood group.