World Thalassaemia Day 2024: Theme, Date, Significance, History

International Thalassaemia Day, also known as World Thalassaemia Day, is observed every year on 8^th May to raise awareness among people about this condition. Launched by the Thalassaemia International Federation, the day also aims to promote and strengthen the lifelong and difficult struggle of patients against this disease. On this day general public and decision-makers also offer their tributes to those who have lost their life to thalassaemia. This article presents detailed information about thalassaemia and World Thalassemia Day 2024.

World Thalassaemia Day 2024 Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for World Thalassaemia Day for the upcoming 5 years.

World Thalassaemia Day 2024 Overview

Check specials days in May

Significance of World Thalassaemia Day

World Thalassaemia Day serves multiple purposes. Check here why observing this day is so significant.

Every year World Thalassaemia Day is observed to draw the attention of individuals as well as public authorities, healthcare professionals, patient associations, industry representatives, etc on promoting actions to fight the disease. The day also raises awareness of the prevention, management or treatment of the disease in a patient-centered manner.

Individuals living with thalassaemia are also dealing with the social stigma attached to the condition. Thalassaemia day has a major aim to debunk myths related to this disorder so as to help the patients lead a normal life. 

World Thalassaemia Day is also about honoring the efforts of doctors and medical professionals who help patients.

Thalassaemia, Its Symptoms & Prevention

Thalassaemia is a blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin production. Genetic in nature, thalassaemia ultimately leads to anemia. In thalassaemia oxygen does not reach all the body parts leading to disturbed body functions due to insufficient production of blood in red cells. If both parents have thalassaemia genes then the child is more likely to suffer from this disease. Let us some more about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of this disease.

Check more details International Nurses Day

Symptoms

• Fatigue or excessive tiredness
• Delayed growth
• Pale or yellow skin
• Dark urine
• Bone deformities

Prevention

• Parents suffering from thalassaemia should consult a doctor and attend genetic counseling. This can give some idea on reducing the risk of thalassaemia in their kids.
• Pregnant women should undergo prenatal tests to detect thalassaemia before birth of the child.
• Get in touch with consultants or doctors for information regarding immunization for children to manage the disorder.

Treatment

• Mild forms of thalassaemia don’t need treatment.
• More severe forms of thalassaemia require frequent blood transfusions.
• For children with severe thalassaemia, a stem cell transplant is the only treatment.

World Thalassaemia Day History

International Thalassaemia Day was established by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) in 1994. it was found in the memory of George Englezos, the son of TIF founder and president, Panos Englezos and all thalassaemia patients who are no longer with us. There is even a George Englezos Award given to an individual with an outstanding scientific, clinical, medical or research contribution to the field.

George suffered from thalassaemia but with quality therapy, he was able to compete on equal terms with other people. He even went on to receive higher education abroad and returned to Cyprus after becoming a scientist.

Celebration of World Thalassaemia Day 

Every year since 1994, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) organizes different activities on the occasion of International Thalassaemia Day. Different online competitions are organized by the federation across the world according to the theme of the year. Many  schools, colleges, and educational institutions organize various activities and events to educate children about thalassaemia, its symptoms and prevention. Patients and their family members are encouraged to participate to gain some more knowledge about the disease.

World Thalassaemia Day 2024 Theme

Every year World Thalassaemia Day is celebrated according to a theme. The theme for the year 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All”. Your should also check the themes of this special day for the last 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions