Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia and other health complications. To address this issue, Institute for developing Science & Health initiatives (ideSHi) with the financial support of First Security Islamic Bank is taking a proactive step by organizing a Thalassemia Awareness and Free Carrier Screening Program. The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness about thalassemia, educate individuals about the importance of carrier screening, and provide free screening to identify carriers of the condition.
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 September 2023, ideSHi conducted another successful Thalassemia Awareness and Carrier Screening Program at Mugda Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka. In the program as the keynote speaker, ideSHi lead, the 2023 Independence Award receiver Dr Firdausi Qadri emphasized the importance of raising awareness about thalassemia and the sufferings that children and parents face. She explained that creating awareness and screening for thalassemia could prevent the spread of this genetic disorder. Dr. Nusrat Sultana Associate Professor, Virology Department, DMC spoke about the economic burden of thalassemia and emphasized that screening before marriage and making rational decisions can help overcome this crisis. Md. Masudur Rahman Shah, Deputy Managing Director, First Security Islami Bank Limited, appreciated ideSHi’s groundbreaking step. Dr. Jannatul Ferdous, Associate Professor, Transfusion Medicine, Mugda Medical College and Hospital shared her experience of encountering a family who have a thalassemia patient child. Prof. Dr. Md. Salim Head of department of pediatric also shared his thoughts. At the end of the discussion program Vice Principal of Mugda Medical College and Hospital Prof. Dr. Ehsanul Haque Khan welcomed all for the screening program. From all the enthusiastic students we have collected 114 samples for screening.
In the remembrance our co-founder Prof. Dr. Syed Saleheen Qadri who always imagined no child would be born with thalassemia in near future in Bangladesh, ideSHi is organizing the Thalassemia Awareness and Free Carrier Screening Program. ideSHi aims to make a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of thalassemia through education, early detection, and informed decision-making. We invite everyone to join us in this noble endeavor and contribute to a healthier future for generations to come. We believe, knowledge is the first step towards prevention.
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