LAHORE: The Thalassemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP), in collaboration with the Fatimid Foundation Lahore and the Punjab Thalassemia and other Genetic Disorders Prevention & Research Institute (PTGD), organized a seminar on Saturday to commemorate the International Thalassemia Day 2022 at the Fatimid Center Lahore.

International Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8 every year, which is observed around the world to raise awareness among the general public, health care providers

and decision-makers to improve the lives and well-being of thalassemia patients everywhere.

Colonel (Retired) Iftikhar Hyder Naqvi, Administrator of the Fatimid Foundation, welcomed the participants to the event and highlighted the significant contribution of NGOs to improving the services provided to thalassemia patients and their families in the country.

Dr Hussain Jafri, Director General of Punjab Thalassemia and other Genetic Disorders, said Thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in Pakistan, more than 6000 affected children are born with Thalassemia major each year, which means 17 affected children born every day in Pakistan. He further added that psychosocial interventions play a vital role in preventing genetic disorders. Dr. Jafri also described the role of PTGD which provides comprehensive thalassemia prevention services all over Punjab completely free of charge. Other speakers included Dr Yasmin Ehsan and Dr Irum Iqbal.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Secretary General of the Thalassemia Federation of Pakistan, said May 8 is celebrated worldwide as International Thalassemia Day.

She said that thalassemia is a preventable disease and that our hope lies in adopting a preventive program along the lines of countries like Italy, Cyprus and Iran, which have achieved complete control or significant reduction in the births of new children with major thalassemia in these countries. countries.

She further added that the theme for this year’s International Thalassemia Day is “Be Aware.

Share. Care: Working with the global community as one to improve knowledge about thalassemia” is an open call to action to all supporters to promote awareness of thalassemia and its global impact and share information and knowledge essential to support the best possible health, social and other care. people affected by this disease.

With this central message, the national campaign that TFP has been running for many years highlights the value of each individual contribution to reducing the prevalence of thalassemia, while stressing that collective action to improve awareness and understanding of disease is crucial for its effective treatment.

Finally, Nobel Prize nominee Dr. Amjad Saqib also graced the occasion and addressed the audience. He explained the importance of spreading knowledge and creating awareness among the general public, while appreciating the work done so far in Punjab. He also stressed that more needs to be added to efforts to raise awareness across Pakistan.