KABUL: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health has urged citizens to pay special attention to thalassemia and promote a culture of blood donation in society to help combat the disease.
According to Radio Omid correspondent, speaking at a ceremony in Kabul marking World Thalassemia Day on Saturday, Mawlavi Abdul Wali Haqqani called on the public to support patients suffering from the hereditary blood disorder.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disease caused by reduced hemoglobin production, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and resulting in chronic anemia.
Haqqani described cooperation from the World Health Organization, charitable foundations, and ministry partners as important in the fight against the disease.
Meanwhile, Dr. Niazgul Niazmand said that 11,260 patients with thalassemia have been registered across the country, including 5,037 men and 6,123 women.
He added that around 1,500 of these patients are based in Kabul, and the National Blood Bank provides blood for 50 patients daily.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wahdat Alkozai said significant attention has been given to the treatment of thalassemia in Afghanistan over the past four years, noting that treatment centers have been established in several provinces as a result.
According to the global calendar, 8 May is observed as World Thalassemia Day and is commemorated annually worldwide.