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The latest information on treatments and medicines available was also discussed.
"Many don't realize that healthy people can donate blood every three months. Blood donation is literally the gift of life for Thalassaemia patients and we'd like to see it become part of our culture, rather than something people do when there is a blood drive,"
said Dr. Fatma Sajwani, Specialist Haematologist, Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah.
Dr. Khawla Belhoul, Director, Thalassemia Center, Dubai Health Authority said: "In other parts of the world, pre-marital blood tests are proving to be an effective method of preventing Thalassemia - especially when people receive counseling to assist their decision if they are both carriers. 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.
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 need to be aware of the risks if they marry - the most serious being producing children with Thalassemia Major who will require weekly blood transfusions for the rest of their lives to ensure their survival.
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, representatives from the Thalassemia International Federation as well as famous experts from around the world, and will then have an opportunity to ask questions about treatment updates.
The evening will be devoted to entertainment and leisure activities.
Posted by Eman Hassan
