Health Days 2012

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World Thalassemia Day

Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder affecting blood cells; i.e., it is passed from parent to child and is the most common inherited blood disorder in the world. This condition is caused by changes to the genes that control the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body – changes affecting hemoglobin result in severe anemia.

The signs and symptoms of thalassemia vary in accordance with the type and severity of the disease. Some babies show signs and symptoms of thalassemia at birth; others may develop signs or symptoms during the first two years of life. Some people who have only one affected hemoglobin gene don't experience any thalassemia symptoms.

The World Thalassaemia Day is celebrated on 8 May. This year's day is held under the them: “Patients Rights – Revisited”. It is intended to give rise to patients' rights, and facilitate their access to health services. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has organized an awareness campaign meant to familiarize patients, their families and the public with the nature of this disease, how to live with it, and how to avoid it. Within this framework, the MOH has obligated all couples about to marry to undergo premarital examinations, seeking to protect the coming generations against genetic disorders, including thalassaemia.

Local Statistics:

Based on the statistics of the MOH's Healthy Marriage Program from 1425 to 1432 H, the result was as follows:

Total Number of Examined People	Number of Passive Cases	Number of Carriers	Number of Patients	Percentage of Carriers	Percentage of Patients
2226133	2094002	33453	844	1.502740402	0.037913278

Internationally Approved Date: 8/5/2012
Locally Approved Date: 17/6/1433H

Theme:
“Patients Rights – Revisited”

Targeted Groups:

Patients with thalassaemia (both children and adults).
Patients' families.
Health workers (physicians, pharmacists, health educationists, etc.).
Education workers (teachers, social workers, etc.).
Health decision-makers.
Health societies and institutions.
The public.

Major Health Messages:

Raising public awareness on the thalassaemia; its nature, and the ways to avoid it.
Promoting and enhancing the studies and researches that have to do with the prevention of thalassaemia.
Familiarizing people with the successful programs and experience in controlling thalassaemia around the world.
Helping patients get access to the available healthcare.

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