World Thalassaemia Day 2025 Overview
Commemorate World Thalassaemia Day 2025 (May 8th). Learn about its theme "Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients," its history, global significance, and the crucial push for awareness, prevention, and equitable patient care.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 29th Jul, 2025
Every year on May 8th, the world observes World Thalassaemia Day to raise awareness about this inherited blood disorder. The theme for 2025 focuses on "Breaking Barriers: Better Care for Every Thalassaemia Patient." This day serves as a reminder to educate, support, and advocate for those affected by thalassaemia.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with thalassaemia, know that you are not alone. With the right care and support, people with thalassaemia can lead fulfilling lives. Let’s understand this condition better.
What is Thalassaemia?
Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder where the body produces less hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). This leads to anemia (low red blood cell count), fatigue, and other complications.
There are two main types:
1. Alpha Thalassaemia – When the body doesn’t make enough alpha-globin protein.
2. Beta Thalassaemia – When the body doesn’t make enough beta-globin protein.
Beta thalassaemia is more common and can range from mild (thalassaemia minor) to severe (thalassaemia major).
Symptoms of Thalassaemia
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity:
- Mild Thalassaemia (Minor)
- Mild anemia
- Fatigue
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Severe Thalassaemia (Major)
- Severe anemia
- Slow growth in children
- Bone deformities (especially in the face)
- Enlarged spleen
- Dark urine
- Frequent infections
If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Causes & Risk Factors
The causes and risk factors involved:
- Thalassaemia is inherited—meaning it is passed from parents to children through genes.
- If one parent carries the thalassaemia gene, the child may have thalassaemia minor (usually mild).
- If both parents carry the gene, the child may have thalassaemia major (severe).
Who is at risk?
- People with a family history of thalassaemia.
- Certain ethnic groups (Mediterranean, South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern descent).
How Thalassaemia Affects Health?
Without proper treatment, severe thalassaemia can lead to:
- Heart problems (due to iron overload from frequent blood transfusions).
- Liver disease.
- Bone weakness and deformities.
- Delayed puberty in children.
- However, with early diagnosis and proper care, many complications can be managed effectively.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests (Complete Blood Count – CBC, Hemoglobin electrophoresis).
- Genetic testing (to confirm the type of thalassaemia).
Treatment Options:
- Blood Transfusions – For severe cases, regular transfusions help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels.
- Iron Chelation Therapy – Removes excess iron from the body (a side effect of frequent transfusions).
- Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) – A potential cure for some patients, but finding a matching donor is crucial.
- Folic Acid Supplements – Helps in red blood cell production.
- Gene Therapy – Emerging as a promising treatment to correct genetic defects.
- Living with Thalassaemia: Tips for Better Management
If you or your child has thalassaemia, these steps can help improve quality of life:
1. Follow Medical Advice Strictly
- Attend all doctor appointments.
- Stick to transfusion schedules if required.
- Take prescribed iron chelation medicines to prevent iron overload.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
- Ironrich foods (like spinach, red meat) should be limited (to avoid excess iron).
- Calcium & Vitamin D – Strengthen bones (milk, cheese, eggs).
- Folic acid-rich foods – Leafy greens, lentils, nuts.
3. Stay Active (But Don’t Overexert)
- Light exercises like walking or yoga help maintain energy levels.
- Avoid strenuous activities if anemia is severe.
4. Emotional & Mental Support
- Join thalassaemia support groups (online or in person).
- Counseling can help cope with emotional stress.
5. Genetic Counseling Before Planning a Family
- If you or your partner carry the thalassaemia gene, consult a genetic counselor before pregnancy.
- Prevention: Can Thalassaemia Be Avoided?
- Since thalassaemia is genetic, premarital or prepregnancy screening is crucial:
- Blood tests can detect if you are a carrier.
- Prenatal testing (like amniocentesis) can check if the baby has thalassaemia.
- Awareness and early testing can prevent severe cases in future generations.
Consult a Top Physician
How Apollo 24|7 Can Help?
If you suspect thalassaemia or need expert care, Apollo24|7 offers:
- Comprehensive blood tests for diagnosis.
- Consultations with hematologists (blood disorder specialists).
- Genetic counseling for families at risk.
- Book a test or consultation today through the Apollo24|7 app for timely care.
Final Thoughts
Thalassaemia is a lifelong condition, but with proper treatment and care, patients can lead healthy lives. This World Thalassaemia Day 2025, let’s spread awareness, support affected individuals, and encourage early testing to reduce its impact.
Knowledge is power—get tested, stay informed, and take charge of your health!
Consult a Top Physician
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Consult a Top Physician
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
26 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Smitha Nagaraj
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Divyashree K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Sujay P R
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS
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