World Thalassemia day is observed on the 8th of May every year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the blood disorder when we live in a world where about 20% of the world population carries α+ thalassaemia. While about 1.1% of couples worldwide are at risk of having children with a haemoglobin disorder, prevention becomes a very important aspect that requires to be addressed immediately. This hereditary blood disorder causes an abnormal form or an inadequate amount of haemoglobin. The disorder also causes large numbers of red blood cells to be destroyed which may further cause anaemia. Thalassemia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment of the Blood Disorder and Theme for This Year.

World Thalassaemia Day Theme

World Thalassaemia Day Theme for 2019 is, "Universal access to quality thalassaemia healthcare services: Building bridges with and for patients." The theme speaks about the hurdles faced by Thalassaemia patients to achieve proper healthcare services and how can hindrances be gotten rid of.

Past World Thalassaemia Day Themes

2018: Thalassaemia past, present and future: Country practices, progress and growing recognition of patients’ rights

2017: Get connected: Share knowledge and experience and fight for a better tomorrow in thalassaemia

2016: Access to safe and effective drugs in thalassaemia

2015: Enhancing partnership towards patient-centred health systems: good health adds life to years!

2014: Economic Recession: Observe – Joint Forces – Safeguard Health

2013: The right for quality health care of every patient with Thalassaemia: major and beyond

2012: Patients Rights Revisited

2011: Equal Chance to Life

World Thalassaemia Day Significance

World thalassaemia day is observed on the 8th of May every year and the day is dedicated to both commemorate the thalassaemia patients and celebrate them. To work consistently towards bettering the lives of the patients and to help ease their fight every day leading to a better quality of life.

The day dedicated to Thalassemia also aims at spreading awareness about the disease so that it is detected before it grows further. Some of the common symptoms of Thalassemia are fatigue, weakness, paleness and slow growth.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2019 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).