World Thalassemia Day, observed annually on May 8th, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production.
World Thalassemia Day was first observed in 1994, established by the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) to commemorate the son of Panos Englezos, a thalassemia patient who passed away from the disease.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood complaint that affects the product of hemoglobin, leading to reduced red blood cell count and anemia. It can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild to severe, and predominantly affects populations of Southeast Asian descent. Prevention and management of thalassemia involve genetic counseling, carrier screening, prenatal testing, regular monitoring, blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and in some cases, bone marrow transplantation.
World Thalassemia Day 2024 aims to raise awareness, promote access to quality healthcare, and empower individuals living with thalassemia to live their lives to the fullest.
What are the symptoms of thalassemia?
Based on the search results, the key symptoms of thalassemia include:
- Anemia-related symptoms:
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeats)
- Pale skin
2. Other symptoms:
- Slowed growth and delayed puberty
- Enlarged spleen
- Weak and fragile bones (osteoporosis)
- Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation
- Reduced fertility
The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and subtype of thalassemia. Individuals with thalassemia major or intermedia tend to experience more severe anemia and related complications, while those with thalassemia trait or minima may be asymptomatic or have only mild anemia.
what are the causes of thalassemia?
According to the search results, the key causes of thalassemia are:
- Genetic inheritance:
- Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder.
- It is caused by mutations or deletions in the genes responsible for the production of hemoglobin.
- To have the main type of thalassemia, beta thalassemia, a child must inherit a copy of the faulty beta thalassemia gene from both parents.
- For alpha thalassemia, the inheritance pattern is more complex as it involves 4 genes.
2. Ancestral origins:
- Thalassemia predominantly affects people with ancestral links to regions where malaria is prevalent, such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Southeast Asia.
- The gene mutations that cause thalassemia are thought to have arisen as partial protection against malaria.
3. Carrier status
- If both parents are carriers of the thalassemia particularity, there’s a advanced chance of their child inheriting the more serious forms of the complaint.
- Carriers don’t have thalassemia themselves but can pass on the defective gene to their children.
In summary, the primary cause of thalassemia is the heritage of defective genes from one’s parents, with the condition being more common in certain geographic regions and populations. The inflexibility depends on the specific inheritable mutations involved.
What is the history of world thalassemia day?
The history of World Thalassemia Day dates back to 1994 when it was first established by Panos Englezos. The founder of the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF). This day was created in memory of Panos Englezos’ son, George, who battled thalassemia. The establishment of World Thalassemia Day aimed to honor those affected by the disease. Raise awareness about thalassemia, and promote research towards finding a cure. It serves as a platform to unite the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers. Organizations to emphasize the importance of prevention, management, and treatment of thalassemia. Over the years, World Thalassemia Day has evolved into a global movement to support individuals living with thalassemia. Advance research efforts, and dispel myths associated with the condition. Through various activities, events, awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiatives, World. Thalassemia Day continues to play a crucial role in educating the public and improving the lives of those affected by thalassemia.
Theme for world thalassemia day
According to the search results, the theme for World Thalassemia Day 2024 is:
” Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All.”
This theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone affected by thalassemia has access to effective and affordable treatment, regardless of their background or resources. It highlights the need for fairness and inclusivity in healthcare, with the goal of empowering individuals living with thalassemia and promoting advancements in treatment options.
The search results also provide the themes for previous years:
- 2023″ Be apprehensive. Share. Care Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap”
- 2021″ Addressing Health Inequalities Across the Global Thalassaemia Community”
- 2020″ The forming of a new period for thalassaemia Time for a global trouble to make new curatives accessible and affordable to cases”
- 2019″ Universal access to quality thalassaemia healthcare services erecting islands with and for a case”
- 2018″ Thalassaemia history, present and unborn establishing progress and cases’ requirements worldwide”
- 2017″ Get connected! Partake knowledge and experience and fight for a better hereafter in thalassaemia”
- 2016″ Access to Safe & Effective medicines in Thalassaemia”
- 2015″ Enhancing cooperation towards case- centred health systems good health adds life to times”
Conclusion:
World Thalassemia Day, observed annually on May 8th, is a significant global event dedicated to raising awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin. The history of World Thalassemia Day traces back to 1994 when it was established by the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) in memory of Panos Englezos’ son, George, who battled thalassemia. The day serves as a platform to honor those affected by the disease, promote research, and advocate for equitable and accessible treatment for all individuals living with thalassemia.
