World Thalassemia Day 2022 — “Be Aware. Share. Care”

Highlights:

World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8th every year
The global campaign strives to raise awareness of the struggles faced by thalassemia patients
The 2022 theme for the day is “Be Aware. Share. Care: Working with the global community as one to improve thalassemia knowledge”

International Thalassemia Day is celebrated on the 8th of May annually to raise awareness of thalassemia. The day helps honor and strengthen the struggles of all patients suffering from this devastating blood disease ().

Thalassemia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Future Therapies
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder passed on through parental genes causing the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin.

‘International Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8th to promote public awareness of thalassemia and strengthen the difficulties of patients against this severe blood disease.’
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What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder, characterized by reduced or damaged hemoglobin production in the red blood cells (RBC), which ultimately leads to anemia. The hemoglobin (iron-rich protein) in the red blood cells is crucial for the supply of oxygen to all the body organs and tissues, required for optimal body functions ().

Some of the common symptoms of Thalassemia (ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening symptoms) are drowsiness and fatigue, pale or yellow skin tone, delayed growth, lowered immunity levels, iron overload, chest pain, and heart diseases. Thalassemia is classified into three basic types and they are as follows ():

Thalassemia major: Characterized by the appearance of symptoms — severe anemia, slowed growth, delayed puberty, and other health problems during the first two years of life
Thalassemia intermedia: Characterized by moderate to severe anemia
Thalassemia minima (or Thalassemia trait): Characterized by few or no symptoms

Test Your Knowledge on Thalassemia
Thalassemia is one of the several inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis and marked by varying degrees of anemia. It is a fairly common cause of anemia especially among certain ethnic populations and it is important to be aware of this condition. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about Thalassemia.

History of World Thalassemia Day

The “International Thalassemia Day” was first established by The Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) on the 8th of May 1994 in loving memory of George Englezos and all Thalassemia patients who are no longer with us (). George was a scientist and son of TIF president and founder, PanosEnglezos. George suffered fromβ-thalassaemia major.

Ever since then, the Thalassemia International Federation organizes several activities for World Thalassemia Day to spread the information and management strategies of thalassemia (). The striving motive of the day is to draw the global attention of the public, health professionals, authorities, and industries to augment the actions on the management of the disease through patient-centered care ().

Why is Thalassemia a Growing Concern in India?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the abnormal production of hemoglobin in the body is more prevalent in India. Prenatal tests can help to identify these blood disorders in babies before birth.

International Thalassemia Day: 2022 Theme

The 2022 theme for International Thalassemia Day (ITD) 2022 is “Be Aware. Share. Care: Working with the global community as one to improve thalassemia knowledge” ().

The global theme celebrates the power of knowledge as an open call for promoting actions against thalassemia and support for the best patient care. The campaign invites everyone to contribute to the responsibility of fighting against thalassemia through proper and right public education ().

New Protocol for Treatment of Thalassemia Major
Chelation along with amlodipine drug was found to benefit patients with thalassemia major - an inherited blood disorder.

Need for Global Campaign

With the global rise in incidences of thalassemia and the lack of efficient prevention programs, basic knowledge of the disease and its prevention strategies must be conveyed to the public on this global day (, ).

It is estimated that over 80% of patients suffering from thalassemia in the developing countries have a lack of disease-specific knowledge, which contributes to poor health and management of the disease ().

The global campaign hence ensures that the entire patient community has equitable access to treatment resources for a better quality of life. Several organizations engage in hosting seminars, walkathons, fundraising events, posters, and expert talks on thalassemia to achieve a global fight against inherited blood disease ().

The public may also participate in the world-wide drive by sharing their knowledge and experiences on thalassemia through social media using the hashtags #BeAwareShareCare, #ITD2022, and #InternationalthalassemiaDay ().

How to Manage Thalassemia?

Common measures for the management of Thalassemia are as follows ():

One may easily diagnose Thalassemia through a simple blood test - Hb electrophoresis or Hb A2.
Although preventing thalassemia is difficult, it is a completely treatable disorder.
General management of thalassemia includes blood transfusions, chelation therapy, and in some cases, bone marrow transplant.
Avoid high iron content foods as frequent blood transfusion is required.
Maintain a healthy diet and routine exercise.
Proper management of the disease may help the patients lead a long and productive life.

It is thereby important that people all around the world join to promote the right knowledge on thalassemia and the treatment accessible for all the patients, including the underserved communities, who are suffering from the disease ().

“There are so many people out there suffering from thalassemia and they need our help. Let us step out and donate blood”( ).

References :

International Thalassaemia Day - (https://thalassaemia.org.cy/international-thalassaemia-day/)
International Thalassaemia Day - (https://www.nhp.gov.in/international-thalassaemia-day_pg)
What is Thalassemia? - (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/thalassemia/facts.html)
https://thalassaemia.org.cy/news/international-thalassaemia-day-2022-theme-announced/ - (https://thalassaemia.org.cy/news/international-thalassaemia-day-2022-theme-announced/)
World Thalassaemia Day 2022 - May 8 | History, Theme, Significance, Quotes - (https://guidely.in/blog/world-thalassaemia-day)
The International Thalassaemia Day 2022 Theme Has Been Released! - (https://www.ithanet.eu/latest-information/news/3046-the-international-thalassaemia-day-2022-theme-has-been-released)
Thalassemia: Complications and Treatment - (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/thalassemia/treatment.html)

Source-Medindia