Uniting for Hope: Thalassaemia Welfare Society Hosts Awareness Event with Actress Suhasini Maniratnam

Chennai, 08 May 2024: The Thalassaemia Welfare Society hosted a landmark event on Thalassaemia Day, dedicated to enlightening the public about thalassaemia, the genetic blood disorder that impacts countless lives worldwide. Esteemed actress Suhasini Maniratnam honored the event as the chief guest, reinforcing the mission to enhance awareness and prevention strategies.

(L to R) Actress Suhasini Maniratnam; Dr. Revathi Raj, Pediatric Hematologist at Apollo Hospitals Cancer Centre

Thalassemia major is a genetic condition that results in reduced capacity of the body to generate adequate red blood cells resulting in severe anemia. A carrier of Thalassemia has no symptoms at all and if both partners are carriers there is a 25% likelihood of their child having Thalassemia Major. Children with this severe form of thalassaemia need regular blood transfusions to stay alive. In India, thalassaemia trait prevalence stands at 3.9%, with an estimated 40 million carriers and 10,000 annual births of Thalassemia Major. Awareness and a simple blood test during early pregnancy can prevent new births of affected children in our country.

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Ms. Suhasini Maniratnam, acclaimed actress, expressed, "Our collective responsibility is to comprehend and tackle the hurdles encountered by those with thalassaemia. I am privileged to contribute to this pivotal event by the Thalassaemia Welfare Society and urge all to partake in this vital cause." Empower a woman with this knowledge and Inspire them to participate in making a future of “Thalassemia Free India”!

Dr. Revathi Raj, Pediatric Hematologist at Apollo Hospitals Cancer Centre, remarked, “Thalassaemia represents a significant health challenge in India. It not just a medical condition; it’s a call to action for compassion, awareness, and solidarity. Our collective efforts can empower communities with knowledge, provide essential care, and advocate for a future where no child has to endure the burden of thalassaemia.”

The occasion shed light on thalassemia's impact in India, diagnostic practices, therapeutic avenues, and preventative tactics. Domain experts facilitated interactive discussions to dispel prevalent myths and underscore the significance of prompt detection and intervention.

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