Nghe An media responds to Thalassemia Day

On the morning of May 6, in Thanh Chuong district, the Department of Health coordinated with the District People's Committee to organize a communication program for World Thalassemia Day.

Also attending were comrade Nguyen Ba Tan - Head of the Provincial Department of Population and Family Planning - Deputy Head of the Provincial Population Steering Committee. On the side of Thanh Chuong district, there was comrade Trinh Van Nha - Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, Chairman of the District People's Committee; representatives of relevant departments and offices; Medical Centers of 21 districts and cities in the whole province. Photo: My Ha

Thalassemia (also known as thalassemia)Thalassemia), discovered in the world in 1925 and started to be researched in Vietnam since 1960. Thalassemia has been causing very serious consequences to the race, leaving long-term consequences for the lives of patients and the community.

This is also the most common genetic hematological disease in the world today with two prominent manifestations that cause anemia and iron accumulation in the body.

Comrade Nguyen Ba Tan - Head of the Department of Population and Family Planning spoke at the ceremony. Photo: My Ha

Worldwide, more than 7% of the world's population carries the disease gene and more than 200 countries and territories are affected by this disease, including Vietnam. Currently, according to statistics from the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Vietnam has about 13 million people, equivalent to 13% of the population, carrying the disease gene. Of which, ethnic minorities in mountainous areas account for 20-40%. The number of severe congenital hemolytic anemia patients requiring regular treatment is over 20,000 people, of which 44% are children under 15 years old. The estimated average cost of treatment for a severe patient from birth to 30 years old is about 3 billion VND.

In Nghe An, according to the report of the Provincial Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center, every year, the number of patients coming for treatment at the Center is about 350-400 people. This is only the number of patients detected and being treated at some hospitals. In reality, in the community, it is mainly in remote, isolated and mountainous areas.

Propaganda skit about Thalassemia performed by the Thanh Linh Commune Folk Song Club - Thanh Chuong District. Photo: My Ha

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Ba Tan - Head of the Department of Population and Family Planning said that currently, the number of people with Thalassemia is very large, the number of patients that have not been detected is quite large. Meanwhile, there has not been a specific assessment of the current situation of patients with congenital hemolytic anemia and many people do not understand this disease clearly. This is the gap in our current communication work.

To celebrate World Thalassemia Day (May 8, 1986 - May 8, 2022), Nghe An launched a communication program with the theme "Join hands to repel thalassemia for the future of the race".

Delegates attending the ceremony to respond to "World Thalassemia Day". Photo: My Ha

The program has practical significance for families and people to better understand thalassemia. At the same time, it enhances the responsibility of all levels and sectors, especially the medical staff, to better understand and be more responsible in repelling this disease. This is also considered a milestone, an initial mark to mobilize the whole society to focus on solving the Thalassemia problem in Nghe An.

In the coming time, comrade Nguyen Ba Tan also requested that Party committees and authorities at all levels strengthen leadership and direction of departments, branches, organizations and the entire community to promote their roles and responsibilities in repelling thalassemia. Coordinate and integrate thalassemia propaganda into the activities of departments, branches and organizations, ensuring the active and maximum participation of all levels and branches.

Comrade Nguyen Ba Tan and Comrade Trinh Van Nha presented gifts to 10 families with children suffering from thalassemia in Thanh Chuong district. Photo: My Ha

Besides,Health and population units need to join hands and contribute to detect, care for, and treat patients with the disease well. Strengthen propaganda and mobilize young men and women to proactively participate in counseling and health check-ups before marriage to make the right choice about marriage for family happiness and for the future of their children./.