International Thalassaemia Day 2023 - World Patients Alliance

WPA member, Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP) in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) and Punjab Thalassemia and Other Genetic Disorders Prevention & Research Institute (PTGD) organized a Seminar and an online thalassemia clinic commemorate the International Thalassaemia Day 2023 at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore.

08 May marks International Thalassaemia Day, which is celebrated all over the world to raise awareness among the general public, healthcare providers & decision-makers to improve the lives and well-being of Thalassaemia patients all over the world.

Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP) in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) and Punjab Thalassemia and Other Genetic Disorders Prevention & Research Institute (PTGD) organized a Seminar and an online thalassaemia clinic to commemorate the International Thalassaemia Day 2023 at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore.

Gen. Moin Uddin Haider President of TFP, welcomed the event participants and highlighted the significant contribution of NGOs in improving the services provided to Thalassaemia patients and their families in the country.

Speaking at this occasion, Dr. Hussain Jafri, Director General PTGD said that the Punjab government has established the PTGD for the prevention of thalassemia and other Genetic diseases. Under this institution, complete facilities for the prevention and eradication of thalassemia and other hereditary diseases are provided free of cost, including Thalassemia Blood Testing, Genetic Counseling, Prenatal Diagnosis, Pre-Marriage Thalassemia Testing and DNA Laboratory. These services are provided free of cost in all the 36 districts of Punjab. Dr. Yasmin Ehsan highlighted the importance of prenatal diagnosis & prevention of thalassaemia.

Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal in his speech said that awareness of Thalassaemia is key for the prevention of this disease from the country. There is the need that the people of Pakistan are mobilized to get themselves tested for Thalassaemia carrier status. The theme of this year International Thalassaemia Day is “Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap”. This campaign focuses on the need for improved access to quality, lifelong thalassaemia education for people living with the disorder and healthcare professionals involved in their care. It underscores the value of each individual contribution to reducing the prevalence of Thalassaemia, whilst stressing that collective action towards enhancing awareness and understanding of the condition is crucial for its effective treatment.

At the end of the Ceremony, Principal Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal presented the vote of thanks.

After the seminar, an online thalassaemia clinic was also organized which was led by Dr Jovaria Mannan Chair Person Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan.

For more information, please visit: Thalassaemia – Federation of Pakistan (tfp.org.pk)