International Thalassemia Day

• 08 May 2025

Source: ITD 

International Thalassemia Day is observed every year on 8th May as a global effort for prevention, awareness and early diagnosis for inherited blood disorder disease Thalassemia.  

• The theme for 2025 is "Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients". 
• About Thalassemia:  

• Burden: India, termed the "Thalassemia capital," has 50 million beta thalassemia carriers and contributes to 25% of global cases. 
• Treatment: It includes regular blood transfusions to maintain healthy red cell levels, managed with iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload.  
  • In severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplant offers a potential cure. 
• Initiatives for Eradication:  
  • Under the National Health Mission (NHM), States/UTs receive support for thalassemia screening, treatment, and related infrastructure.  
    • The government recommends integrating thalassemia testing into the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program for early carrier detection and genetic counseling to reduce the disease burden.  
  • National Program for Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies (NPPCH) to raise awareness, offer counseling and testing services for affected individuals. 
  • Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) provides financial aid for Bone Marrow Transplants through Coal India Ltd.’s CSR in 17 empanelled hospitals nationwide.

Read More: International Thalassemia Day