WORLD NEWS | UAE celebrates achievements on World Thalassemia Day

Abu Dhabi [UAE]May 9 (ANI/WAM): To mark World Thalassemia Day, global pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb, in partnership with the Thalassemia International Federation and UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA), Sheikh Zayed Center (Sheikh Zayed Center for Genetic Research, Emirates Health Services, Emirates Thalassemia Society, with the theme ‘Aware. Share. Care’ to raise awareness about thalassemia, support patient communities, and empower society through prevention tools.

World Thalassemia Day, organized by the International Thalassemia Federation (TIF), encourages the international community to work together to improve awareness and care for this disease that affects more than 80 million people worldwide. World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8 every year. It is specifically prescribed for thalassemia patients who are battling a genetic disorder in which levels of oxygen-carrying proteins in the blood are lower than normal. Simply put, the body cannot produce the required amount of hemoglobin.

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Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal forms of hemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells that the body needs to carry oxygen. The disease can cause anemia and other conditions, such as bone abnormalities and growth defects. Patients with thalassemia often require lifelong red blood cell transfusions and treatment regimens to support average growth and development, maintain quality of life, and increase life expectancy. A small percentage of patients recover fully with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

To raise awareness of the disease and support Thalassemia Warriors, Bristol-Myers Squibb is also partnering with several content creators in the region, including Zahra Lari, the first Emirati figure skater and content creator, to raise awareness about the disease. Disease Awareness and Celebration of Thalassemia Warriors. In Egypt, the company partnered with film star and UNFPA Ambassador Emeritus Amina Khalil, who shared a video with her Instagram followers , to raise awareness of the disease. In Saudi Arabia, the company partnered with UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and content creator Muna Abu Sulayman, who shared critical thalassemia information with her Instagram followers.

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Thalassemia is a global challenge and is prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Highlighting the UAE’s efforts and successes in addressing this issue, Dr. Maryam Mattar, Founder and Chairman of the UAE Association of Genetic Diseases, said: “With the support of the UAE Government, the cooperation of government authorities and the active participation of more community members 200 Several countries are involved in programs that provide communities with early detection, treatment and prevention tools, and we have reduced the prevalence of people with thalassemia from one birth per week in 2004 to one birth every two years in 2016. These Scheme started in 1998 with mandatory thalassemia screening before getting marriage grant from civil marriage grant. I had the privilege to work with the authorities in the national campaign to reduce thalassemia in 2001 to pass the pre-marital screening law. Sheikh Zayed The DeGen Research Center conducted the first field survey of 11,282 Emiratis aged 18 to 28 in 2007 to examine hereditary blood disorders in the country. We documented the true status of beta-thalassemia mutation carriers, the percentage of their 2.9%. To promote prevention, mandatory premarital check-ups were approved in 2007, accredited first-trimester testing centers and cord blood storage centers were established, and more than five UAE citizens have fully recovered through bone marrow transplants with stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord.”

Abdul Basit Merdas, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Thalassemia Association, said: “We are proud to partner with Bristol-Myers Squibb on International Thalassemia Day. Through this partnership, we will work together to achieve our common goal of raising awareness and improving Quality of life for people with thalassemia. Together we can increase our efforts to provide better care and support for those affected by this disease and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by thalassemia Influence.”

Dr Androulla Eleftheriou, Executive Director of Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), said: “As we mark World Thalassemia Day, we must recognize the urgent need to close the gap in thalassemia care through education and awareness. We chose ‘Know. Share.Caring’: ‘Strengthening education to close the thalassemia care gap’ is the theme of this year’s International Day. 1 in 12 people in the Middle East carry the thalassemia gene, a situation that poses a major public health challenge for the region .However, through targeted advocacy initiatives like these, we can improve early detection and timely intervention, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of thalassemia on families and healthcare systems. In the MENA region, we are delighted to partner with Bristol Ms Squibb partnered to launch “a series of campaigns in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Together we are committed to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by thalassemia through advocacy, education and access to quality healthcare. “

Oscar Delgado, Bristol Myers Squibb General Manager Middle East and Africa, said: “We are committed to supporting the needs of people with thalassemia in the region and their families. On this World Thalassemia Day, we want to further highlight the enormous burden this condition places on individuals in the Middle East , families and healthcare systems are having an impact. We will continue to help close the thalassemia care gap through strategic partnerships and initiatives to improve access to quality care and raise awareness of the condition. Working together, we can Equip healthcare professionals, families, and individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage thalassemia.”

The UAE government has made significant efforts to increase screening and access, and to raise awareness of the need to identify thalassemia carrier populations and enhance care for the disease. The UAE has launched a nationwide pre-marital screening campaign, which has been mandatory for all couples planning to marry since 2007. The disease continues to place a heavy burden on patients, healthcare services, and society, underscoring the ongoing need for continued public awareness, prevention programs, and increased access to innovative care. (ANI/WAM)

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