Latest news with #WorldThalassaemiaDay
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Blood donation camp held in Gumla
1 2 Gumla : The district administration along with the health department observed World Thalassaemia Day by organising a special blood donation camp at the Sadar Hospital on Thursday. The critical ailment is an inherited blood disorder mostly found in children who need regular blood transfusions. Gumla DC Karn Satyarthi too donated blood and urged people to come forward to donate to help the needy. "A total of 36 units of blood from different groups were collected at the blood donation programme on this occasion," said blood bank in-charge, Rakesh Kumar. Besides the DC, other district and health department officials too donated blood. Satyarthi said, "One unit of blood can save the life of thalassaemia -afflicted persons." He also met thalassaemia afflicted children and distributed toys among Gumla houses a thalassaemia-sickle cell blood transfusion & wellness centre on the Sadar premises. It was opened in collaboration with a Gujarat-based entity named Wishing Factory. "All thalassaemia-diagnosed children undergo two units of blood transfusion every month," Kumar said. "We have around 80 kids suffering from thalassaemia in the district. The health department in Gumla and Wishing Factory are doing everything possible to make their lives a little easier," the DC said.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
15.5 lakh people in Gujarat have undergone thalassaemia tests
Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Thalassaemia Day , which is being observed on Thursday, the state govt said on Wednesday that Gujarat has become a role model for other states in the fight against thalassaemia. The state govt said that until now, 15.5 lakh persons in the state underwent is a genetic disorder where the body fails to produce sufficient haemoglobin. In individuals with thalassaemia, the bone marrow fails to convert iron into haemoglobin, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to other organs, reducing their efficiency. This leads to various complications and diseases due to weakened that Gujarat has become a role model for other states in attempts to eradicate thalassaemia, an official statement said that free thalassaemia tests are provided for pregnant women in all govt hospitals. The state govt has implemented a three-tier screening mechanism to detect patients with thalassaemia."Annually, an average of 18,517 people are tested, with over 15.5 lakh persons tested for thalassaemia so far. Organisations like the Red Cross Society, Thalassaemia Awareness Foundation, and Thalassaemic Gujarat are doing commendable work in raising awareness," the statement Anil Khatri, chairman of the Haemoglobinopathies Committee of the Indian Red Cross Society, Gujarat branch, the statement said that apart from bone marrow transplants, there is no permanent cure for thalassaemia major. "To eradicate thalassaemia, individuals should undergo testing for thalassaemia minor before marriage or pregnancy. If positive, marrying another carrier should be avoided," the statement said, quoting patients require approximately 15 to 60 units of blood annually. It is crucial they receive pure and adequate blood. Increased blood donations ensure a steady supply for thalassaemia patients, the statement said, urging citizens to donate blood regularly.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Teen Warrior from Hyderabad Leads Thalassaemia Awareness Drive
Hyderabad: On World Thalassaemia Day, the inspiring story of 15-year-old Samarth Lamba shines a spotlight on how one student's commitment is changing lives across Hyderabad. Samarth, a high school student, has taken up the cause of thalassaemia — a genetic blood disorder that affects thousands in India — with a passion and drive that belies his age. Moved by the challenges faced by children with thalassaemia, he launched a project under the banner Hb CARE, aimed at awareness, blood donation, and community testing. 'That day changed something in me. I realized I couldn't walk away knowing others were suffering,' he says, recalling a moment that inspired his journey. Building an Impactful Movement In the last year, Samarth has transformed concern into concrete results: - Raised ₹7.5 lakh in support — ₹2.5+ lakh via crowdfunding and ₹5 lakh through CSR funding. - Reached over 7,000 people through social media campaigns and public engagements. - Organized five blood donation and awareness camps in collaboration with The Blood Warriors Foundation. These events took place at major Hyderabad venues including Badruka College, MGIT Hyderabad, KBR Park, and the Premiethon Extramile Marathon, which drew over 3,000 participants. Saving Lives, One Drop at a Time Samarth's focus goes beyond organizing events. His initiative encourages blood donation as a habit, raises awareness on early detection and treatment, and provides a support network for thalassaemia patients. Each camp includes flyer distribution, on-the-spot blood bridge registrations, and kits for participants. At the very first camp, 40+ blood donations were collected, and over 500 students engaged. By the fifth camp, the initiative had impacted thousands. A Voice on the Global Stage Samarth's efforts have earned international recognition. He was invited to present his initiative at the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at UC Berkeley, USA. He was also featured in the Times of India in 2024 for his growing influence and service to society. Looking Ahead While balancing his studies, Samarth envisions scaling Hb CARE across 10+ cities. He is exploring a future in computer science or social entrepreneurship with the goal of integrating technology into healthcare access. A Call for Global Action Thalassaemia continues to affect hundreds of thousands globally. Samarth's work demonstrates what one person can achieve—but he believes broader change requires a collective effort. He appeals to students, schools, institutions, and civic leaders to volunteer, donate, and educate. 'Thalassaemia is preventable with awareness and testing. If we can empower people early, we can save lives,' he says. On this Thalassaemia Day, Samarth Lamba stands as a beacon of hope—proof that youth-led movements can change the world.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
RSS affiliated lab to test 1 lakh for sickle cell and thalassaemia
Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Lok Kalyan Diagnostics launched a sickle cell, thalassaemia awareness campaign , wherein it will provide personalised counselling to patients and conduct blood tests for 1 lakh citizens across Vidarbha by October 2. The initiative aims to elevate public understanding of these genetic blood disorders, strategically timed to coincide with World Thalassaemia Day on May 8. The campaign was officially inaugurated on May 1. Dr Prashant Joshi, director of AIIMS; Jai Prakash Dwivedi, CMD of WCL; Hemant Pandey, director (HR), WCL; social activist Dadaji Kothe; Dr Vijaykumar Tungar, chairman of Lok Kalyan Diagnostics; and Dr Dilip Gupta, chairman of the Lok Kalyan Samiti were present. Dr Prashant Joshi emphasised the institution's commitment, stating, "AIIMS established a dedicated sickle cell unit where patients receive free treatment. Also, we are on the verge of launching a new bone marrow laboratory, which will significantly enhance our diagnostic capabilities and support for patients." JP Dwivedi assured full cooperation, noting, "The public welfare committee can count on our complete support. A significant 60% of WCL's CSR funds are specifically allocated to the healthcare sector, reflecting our commitment to the well-being of the community." During the event, Lok Kalyan Diagnostics shared significant data gathered from their screening efforts across 9 districts of Vidarbha. To date, 58,293 individuals were screened through 496 camps. The findings revealed that 3,459 individuals were identified as carriers of either sickle cell or thalassaemia. The total percentage of carriers stands at a high 5.93% in Vidarbha.
