Today, we’re going to learn about World Thalassaemia Day! Now, you might be thinking, “What’s thalassaemia?” Don’t worry, we’ll get to that. But first, let’s talk about why we celebrate this day.

May 8th marks the annual celebration of World Thalassaemia Day. It is a day to raise awareness about a genetic blood disorder called thalassaemia. This disorder affects the production of hemoglobin, a protein in our red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout our body.

Important Details

• People with thalassaemia can’t produce enough healthy hemoglobin, which can cause anemia and other health problems.
• Thalassaemia is prevalent in specific regions of the world, including the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It’s estimated that around 7% of the global population are carriers of the thalassaemia gene. That’s a lot of people!
• Now, you might be wondering how someone can be a carrier of the thalassaemia gene. Well, it’s a genetic disorder, which means it’s passed down from parents to children. If both parents are carriers of the thalassaemia gene, their children have a 25% chance of inheriting the disorder.
• Two primary variations of thalassaemia exist: alpha thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia. Each type has different subtypes and varying degrees of severity. Some people with thalassaemia only have mild symptoms and can live relatively normal lives. However, others may require lifelong medical treatment, such as blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy.
• Despite the challenges of living with thalassaemia, people with the disorder can still lead fulfilling lives. With the help of medical treatment, they can manage their symptoms and pursue their dreams. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about thalassaemia and support those affected by it.