Thalassemia 'Tour of Hope' bus drive kicks off 23 April

The campaign stops will provide an opportunity for the country's Thalassemia community to meet informally with patients and families who share their same condition and life experience.

"The objective of the 'Tour of Hope' is for the UAE's Thalassemia community to learn how to better cope with their conditions," said Dr. Khawla Belhoul, Director of Dubai Thalassemia Center at Al Wasl Hospital, organizers of the country-wide campaign.

Belhoul added: "These Thalassemia patients and families can live higher quality, more productive lives if they learn to manage their disease, rather than allowing the Thalassemia disease to manage them."

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

The 23 April 'Opening Ceremony' will take place in the Al Multaka room of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will include celebrity appearances.

Attendees will watch a short presentation on Thalassemia management techniques, then enjoy a short stage play performed by Thalassemia patients from the UAE. There will also be paintings and pottery works by Thalassemia patients on display in the room.

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.

Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, is a highly prevalent disease in the UAE but can easily be prevented with a simple and inexpensive blood test.

Thalassemia carriers are healthy people and can have healthy children, but they should not marry other carriers or they risk producing children born with Thalassemia.

"We are so proud to lend our support to this special Thalassemia campaign," said Khalid Al Sheikh, Deputy General Manager for Finance and Administration at DOHMS.

"The 'Tour of Hope' presents us with the opportunity to listen to the concerns of Thalassemia patients, while offering them words of encouragement. I feel there is much to share with patients and families about how a positive attitude and an constant willingness to improve one's life condition can lead to a happier life."