Definition Thalassemia:
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Several types of thalassemia exist, including alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia, Cooley's anemia and Mediterranean anemia.
People with thalassemia have a genetic defect of their red blood cells that affects the cells' ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Red blood cells use hemoglobin to carry oxygen to tissues. As a result of the defect, most forms of thalassemia produce a chronic, lifelong anemia that begins in early childhood and often must be treated with frequent transfusions.
International Thalassaemia Day in 2012:
The International Thalassaemia Day is celebrated on 8 May.
the importance of the International Thalassaemia Day in raising global awareness of thalassaemia; agrees with the key theme that thalassaemia patients and affected communities should have access to approproprate information on this condition; notes that although thalassaemia is a serious, lifelong medical condition, with modern medical treatment it is manageable.
The theme of International Thalassaemia Day 2012 is “Patients Rights – Revisited”
related topics:
About International Thalassaemia Day