Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 08, 2025, 07:00 IST
World Thalassemia Day 2025: Thalassemia is an inherited blood condition where the body produces insufficient haemoglobin, resulting in anaemia.
World Thalassemia Day 2025: The theme for this year is “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients.” (File Pic)
World Thalassemia Day 2025: Observed annually on May 8, World Thalassemia Day is meant to raise awareness about thalassemia and support affected individuals. This day is marked by holding events and advocating for policies to improve care and treatment for those living with this genetic disorder.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood condition where the body produces insufficient haemoglobin, resulting in anaemia. This affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which can lead to problems like fatigue and even organ damage. People with thalassemia need lifelong care, including regular blood transfusions to maintain healthy haemoglobin levels.
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World Thalassemia Day 2025: Theme
This year, the theme for marking the ‘world thalassemia day’ is: “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients.” This theme particularly underscores the importance of community collaboration in raising awareness about this disorder. The goal of this year’s theme is to foster community-led interventions to improve care, treatment, and support for those affected by thalassemia.
World Thalassemia Day 2025: Significance
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Haemoglobinopathies, including thalassemia and sickle-cell anaemia, are inherited disorders. Around 5% of the global population are carriers of a potentially pathological haemoglobin gene. The UN body says that each year, 300,000 infants are born with these conditions, predominantly sickle-cell anaemia.
Hence, it is important to raise awareness of these conditions by spreading knowledge to help promote early detection, better care, and support for affected families. As a result, the observance of ‘world thalassemia day’ becomes crucial to bring together communities and policymakers to reverse the impact of this disorder.
World Thalassemia Day 2025: History
The history of World Thalassemia Day dates back to 1994, when Panos Englezos, the founder of the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), declared the observance of this day to raise awareness of the disorder.
World Thalassemia Day 2025: Tips To Maintain Haemoglobin
According to WHO, haemoglobin levels can be adequately maintained by eating iron rich food items. People should intake foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and other nutrients to maintain their prescribed haemoglobin levels.
To boost iron intake, it is recommended to consume lean red meats, fish, poultry, legumes, fortified cereals and dark green leafy vegetables. People may add vitamin C-rich foods which are known to enhance iron absorption. It also recommends avoiding foods like tea, coffee, cocoa, and calcium when eating iron-rich foods because the former are known as iron blockers. Those with lower haemoglobin levels may also consider taking supplements.
- First Published:
May 08, 2025, 07:00 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
