Thalassemia patients call for more blood donations

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

Thalassemia carriers should not marry other carriers as they risk producing children with Thalassemia Major who will require weekly blood transfusions for the rest of their lives to ensure their survival.

The Thalassemia Centre currently uses 60 percent of Dubai's blood reserves from the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) to treat Thalassemia patients and with some requiring blood transfusions every two weeks blood banks in Dubai are constantly under pressure.

"Blood donations are critically important as Thalassaemia patients depend on regular blood transfusions in order to live and function normally," said Dr. Fatma Sajwani, Specialist Haematologist, Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah.

Shakila Basheer, a Thalassemia patient who has received blood transfusions every three weeks for 25 years, said:

"Our main objective is to help people understand that Thalassemia patients have a continuous requirement for blood transfusions, it's not something we need once or twice a year and that is why we need people to donate blood".

The 'Hope Continues' campaign is also raising awareness for the necessity of pre-marital blood tests and wants to highlight the success of the prevention programs in other parts of the world.

"Prevention programs implemented in other parts of the Middle East and Europe are proving that pre-marital blood testing is an effective method to prevent Thalassemia," said Dr. Khawla Belhoul, Director, Thalassemia Center, Dubai Health Authority.

"As well as having a blood test, it is important that couples are counseled when they receive their results so they have the information they need to make a decision about what to do. We find that most patients who receive counseling choose not to marry each other once they understand, in detail, the risks of having children," Dr Belhoul added.

International Thalassemia Day takes place each year on 08 May, but the UAE's Thalassemia community has scheduled their event on Saturday, 03 May 2008 at the Dubai Creek Park, a date and time they believe will be more convenient and accessible for a greater number of UAE participants.

Thalassemia patients and families attending the 03 May 2008 event will participate in an educational lecture presented by doctors from across the UAE, and will then have an opportunity to ask questions about treatment updates.

The evening will be devoted to entertainment and leisure activities.