Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease that results in a reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin causing anemia.
It is one of the most common genetic disorders in Bangladesh and it is silently spreading day by day. There are estimated 60,000-70,000 patients are suffering from this disease and 2500 major cases added every year. To reduce the disease burden in our country, ideSHi is doing awareness raising and free carrier screening campaigns since its inception.
On 16th May 2023, ideSHi conducted another successful Thalassemia Awareness and Carrier Screening Program at Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College and Hospital, Gopalganj.
The program was carried out among the students of two distinguished institutions (Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University) of Gopalganj, Banglades
The program was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, (BSMMU). The keynote speaker of the program was Ramon Magsaysay and Independence Award winner scientist Dr. Firdausi Qadri, who haddiscussed about the pathophysiology, prevalence, importance of screening, and outcome of thalassemia.
Prof. A.Q.M Mahbub, Vice Chancellor, BSMRSTU, Prof. Dr. Emran Kabir Chowdhury, Chairman, Public Health Department of Dhaka University, and Ex-VC, Comilla University, Dr. Zakir Hossain, Principal, SSKMC, Mr. Sirajul Islam, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Syed Waseque Md. Ali, Managing Director, (FSIBL )were present at the event as special guests.
Approximately 300 hundred students were present at the program and 179 blood samples were collected for thalassemia screening purpose.
At the end of the program, ideSHi Chairman and Lead Dr. Firdausi Qadri went to Tungipara to visit the birthplace of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of independent Bangladesh. She along with the guests and ideSHi team had offered their profound respect and gratitude by placing wreaths and standing in solemn silence, and offering prayers at the Mausoleum of Bangabandhu Shekh Mujibur Rahman
