The Thalassemia Federation has urged the public as well as the government sector to speed up their efforts to promote blood screening process to eradicate the deadliest disease, Thalassemia as the country has over eight million people who are thalassemia carriers and round 6000 babies are born with thalassemia major every year.
President Thalassemia Federation Lt Gen (R) Moin-ud-Din Haider said all out efforts should be made to create awareness among public regarding the deadly disease.
The blood screening therapy before marriage could play a vital role in preventing thalassemia, he said in a statement issued here. He said Thalassemia Federation is trying to create awareness of this disease among the people. A two-day 8th National Thalassemia Conference concluded in Rawalpindi on Sunday which discussed strategies to make Pakistan a Thalassemia free country. The conference was organized by Islamic International Medical College, a constituent institute of Riphah international University, in collaboration with the Thalasaemia Federation of Pakistan.
Renowned scientist Dr Inam-Ur-Rehman was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the conference. The Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, Prof. Dr. Anees Ahmad and the Secretary of Thalassemia Federation of Pakistan, Dr. Yasmin Rashid were the key note speakers at the inaugural session.
The conference was part of National Thalassaemia week being observed by the Pakistan Thalasaemia Federation from May 2 to May 8 to create public awareness about the disease. Dr Inam Ur-Rehman, in his address, congratulated RIPHAH International University and Thalassemia Federation for organizing the conference and hoped its recommendations will help in eliminating Thalassemia from Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Anees Ahmed in his key note speech, threw light on the Islamic and Shariah aspects of the preventive measures to avoid the disease.
He said that Shariah is not a complicated thing and it is very simple to follow it for better health and good life. Quran and Shariah have given clear guidance for prevention of diseases and leading a healthy life.
He stressed to make use of modern technology such as telemedicine for diagnosis and treatment of Thalassemia. He also suggested forming a youth force to work for creating awareness about Thalassemia and help patients for their treatment. It should also be made a subject of curriculum at college and university levels so that our youth are aware of the disease and its causes.
The Secretary General of Thalassemia Federation Dr. Yasmin Rashid spoke about the clinical preventive measures to eradicate Thalassemia from the society. She said that families having Thalaseemia history should get screening of their children before marriages.