Hamza Foundation organises an awareness walk in the city. PHOTO: PPI
A seminar was organised by Hamza Foundation at Peshawar Press Club.
On the occasion, Hamza Foundation Chairman Ijaz Ali Khan said, “International Thalassemia Day is observed across the globe to create awareness among people regarding thalassemia and how it can be prevent.”
He added, “People should carry out haemoglobin electrophoresis test before marriage to prevent spread of the disease.”
“At least 958 thalassemia patients, 102 with haemophilia and 52 suffering from blood cancer are registered in Hamza Foundation,” Ijaz Ali said. “The organisation also donated 81,665 blood bags to state-run and private hospitals.”
Ijaz urged the provincial government to give effect to the Thalassemia Prevention Bill, 2010.
Nagiyal Azam, a 25-year-old MBA student who was suffering from thalassemia, appealed the people to conduct a thalassemia test before marriage. He encouraged thalassemia patients to battle their disease with patience.
“During my childhood, I was very disturbed [because of my condition,” he said. “However, I gradually fought against the disease and now I feel healthy.”
A walk was organised by Al-Khidmat Foundation, Ehsas Welfare Organisation and Welfare Hand on International Thalassemia Day. It was attended by a large number of people, especially doctors. Participants walked from Al-Khidmat Foundation’s provincial headquarters to Hashtnagri.
While speaking to the participants, Al-Khidmat Foundation President Khalid Waqas Chamkani said, “A bill was passed a few years ago that expected every individual to test for thalassemia before tying the knot.”
He said the move was aimed at preventing the disease.
“However, the law has yet to be executed,” he said. “The government needs to properly implement existing laws to curb thalassemia.”
Chamkani urged the government to establish proper research centres to help prevent the disease that has affected thousands of children in the province.
“The government should offer free diagnosis for the disease to those who want to carry out tests before marriage,” he said.
Lady Reading Hospital Medical Officer Dr Kashif Ali Khan told The Express Tribune, “Thalassemia is a hereditary disease that spreads from one generation to another. The alarming number of thalassemia patients in the province is the outcome of inter-family marriages in our society.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2016.
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