Dhaka: Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) today observed World Thalassemia Day 2025 with due ceremony. The day’s event commenced with a vibrant rally that started at the B Block Fountain of BMU and concluded after parading important places across the campus. BMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Hawlader inaugurated it by releasing balloons, as stated in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BMU Treasurer Professor Dr Nahreen Akhtar and Dean of the Faculty of Children, Professor Dr Md Atiar Rahman were present as special guests, with Professor Dr Md Anwarul Karim, Chairman of the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, presiding over the event. The theme of the day, ‘Together for Thalassemia Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients,’ saw participation from teachers, doctors, residents, and nurses from various departments, including Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and Transfusion Medicine. Leaders from the Haematology Society of Bangladesh also joined the event.
Mujibur Rahman Howlader emphasized the need for preventive measures, including raising public awareness about the disease. He stressed that educational initiatives at the school level should begin to help prevent its spread. BMU has intensified research on blood diseases, with significant progress made toward establishing a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre. He mentioned that the proposal has already been approved by ECNEC, indicating that once operational, the centre will enable many patients with blood-related illnesses to receive treatment locally.
Professor Dr Nahreen Akhtar highlighted the genetic nature of Thalassemia, noting the importance of preventing marriage between two carriers to curtail the disease. She stressed the possibility of identifying carriers through screening. Professor Dr Md. Anwarul Karim discussed a new breakthrough in Thalassemia treatment, where patients are now receiving medication alongside blood transfusions, which is yielding promising results.
Thalassemia is a congenital disease that causes anaemia and often leads to life-threatening complications due to a lack of blood. The only cure, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), is inaccessible to most patients because of donor shortages, limited medical resources, and high costs. Consequently, patients rely on lifelong blood transfusions, essential for their survival, though challenges in ensuring safe transfusions persist.
Bangladesh has an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 Thalassemia patients, with 6 to 10 new cases emerging annually. Additionally, 1.5-2 crore people in the country are Thalassemia carriers. To reduce the disease’s prevalence, the government is urged to consider legislation prohibiting marriage between two carriers. This measure could significantly protect future generations from the disease’s impact.
Each month, approximately 500 paediatric patients receive treatment at the outpatient department of the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Division at BMU. On this special occasion, all relevant departments have reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing medical care for Thalassemia patients at BMU in a unified manner.