International Thalassaemia Day

Every year, May 8 is celebrated as the International Thalassaemia Day.

What is Thalassaemia?

Thalassaemia is a term used to describe a set of diseases that belong to a larger group, the anaemias. When someone has anaemia, his body cannot produce enough normal red blood cells, which are cells that carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the whole body. They flow in the blood stream and give it its red color. Thalassaemias are hereditary diseases, meaning that they are caused by problems within our genetic make-up, and not because of nutrition or other  environmental factors, and are passed on to children from their two parents – both mother and father. What is at fault in thalassaemia is a change in the haemoglobin molecule, a protein found within each red cell, responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs.

There are different types of thalassaemia, some of which require more demanding therapy than others. In any case, patients with thalassaemia must be followed by healthcare professional experts in specialized centers throughout their lifetime to have the best possible health outcomes.

Theme for 2024

The theme of the event this year is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All”.

The focus for 2024 is clear; to help ensure all people with thalassaemia, receive access to accurate diagnosis, current and future treatments, and well-rounded care for their condition.

The 2024 theme underlines the timely need for a unified approach in addressing the patients’ right to access all available, approved, and safe treatment options—regardless of cost—and achieve the best possible quality of life.

The theme also conveys the message of empowering individuals affected by thalassaemia through advancements in treatment options, while emphasizing the need for continued and collective awareness and advocacy efforts to bring about meaningful improvements to the lives of everyone affected by this genetic condition.

Source : Thalassaemia International Federation