Rotary to help NMMC eradicate Thalassemia
- Indrani Basu
- 03 Jun, 2025
Towards this end, Rotary will partner NMMC to spread awareness and increase screening to stop the birth of Thalassemia-major babies. This was announced by Dinesh Mehta, district governor 3142 at the Thalassemia Awareness Conference organised by Rotary South Asia at the DY Patil auditorium, Nerul, on June 1.
Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down genetically in which the body makes inadequate amount of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in large numbers of red blood cells being destroyed, which leads to anaemia.
The conference, organised by Rotary International District 3142, witnessed sizeable participation of medicos from Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thalassemic children and their parents, caregivers, and policymakers. About 150 joined online from different parts of the world.
The conference threw the spotlight on Thalassemia and the challenges faced by individuals affected by the genetic blood disorder. Advancement in treatment protocols and management of the condition was also discussed by the experts.
A panel discussion was also held which discussed blood test methods for blood donation. Blood transfusion is the only therapy for this disorder. Increasing awareness to encourage the youth to undergo pre-marriage screening and pre-natal screening were also discussed to stop the birth of Thalassemia-major babies.
A skit portraying the pros and cons of the disorder was presented by DY Patil Thalassemia Day Care Center and its patients.
In view of the serious nature of the disorder, Rotary has launched ‘End Thalassemia Now or ETN’ initiative. “The goal is both prevention and support following a comprehensive strategy called CAP- Care for Children with Thalassemia Major, Awareness in the community, Prevention of New Thalassemia Major births,” Dinesh Mehta, district governor 3142, said.
“No Mother Should carry Thalassemic Baby in her Womb” This will be our motto form now-on’, declared chief guest Anirudh Roychoudhury, Rotary international director.
