Thalassemia awareness Vigil

MN Report

Karachi: Omair Sana Foundation (OSF) organized a candlelight vigil ceremony at Karachi Press Club where hundreds of thalassemia children, their parents, doctors, and civil society members attended the event.

Thalassemia patients, parents, doctors, social activists, students and other stakeholder were present on this occasion.  Participants applauded and appreciated the efforts of OSF for thalassemia eradication. The children were holding banners and placards with slogans of “practical procedure for thalassemia test before marriage”, Protect next generation, Do thalassemia test”.

Dr Obaid Hashmi said thalassemia is growing rapidly in the society.  He said until comprehensive and coordinated effort from all stake holders, the dream of thalassemia free Pakistan cannot be achieved.  He demanded of the government to establish thalassemia Screening Centers in each district while a Prenatal Diagnostic Center should be established on two or three district level.

He said government should take the already running centers in confidence and take advantage of their experience in managing thalassemia.He said it is high time that all stake holders should make a concrete effort to control this disorder.

Dr Hashmi said that 5000 thalassemia children are born with this disorder annually. The disease is transmitted from parents to children. Red blood synthesis reduced or stops in this disorder and the children are kept on blood transfusion for their whole life.  He said this menace could be prevented by a test before marriage.