UAE thalassemia disease prevention possible

The underlying issue that allows the disease to be carried from one generation to the next is one of insufficient general education about the Thalassemia disease among the country's growing population.

"Carriers of Thalassemia live normal lives, but when they marry other carriers and have children, the disease then passes to their children who suffer from the ailments of the disease rather than merely acting of carriers of the Thalassemia gene," said Dr. Khawla Belhoul, Director of Dubai Thalassemia Center.

"And most carriers don't even know that they are carriers. That's where a simple pre-marital blood test can help. We strongly encourage all young adults to take a simple, inexpensive, and painless blood test before getting married," added Dr. Belhoul.

In a strong, public show of support and compassion for patients with Thalassemia and their families, a 'Tour of Hope' has been launched, with participants traveling to all seven emirates from 23 April to communicate that living with Thalassemia can be made easier and life more enjoyable.

The idea for the tour was born at the Dubai Thalassemia Center and has been strongly supported by the UAE's medical and Thalassemia communities. The tour takes place prior to the celebration of International Thalassemia Day on 8 May.

The tour, which begins on 23 April in Dubai and ends in Dubai with a workshop and celebration on 28 April, will also make stops in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quain.