The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

About 15 million people in the country are carrying the gene of fatal disease thalassemia and about 10,000 babies take birth with this disease every year.

This was disclosed at a discussion meeting held in the city yesterday in observance of World Thalassemia Day-2008. Bangladesh Thalassemia Association and Medicine Club jointly organised the discussion meeting at the National Press Club.

Adviser of the Ministries for Primary and Mass Education, Women and Children Affairs, and Cultural Affairs, Rasheda K Chowdhury attended the function as the chief guest.

National Professor Dr MR Khan, National Press Club President Shaukat Mahmud, former state minister Syed Deedar Bakth, BSMMU Professor Dr MA Mannan and Thalassemia Association General Secretary Dr Syed Alauddin Ahmed, among others, took part in the discussion while Thalasemia Association President Omar Golam Rabbani was in the chair.

Departmental Head of Dhaka Medical College Pediatric Department Prof Dr Abid Hossain presented a keynote paper in the discussion meeting.

It was also disclosed the discussion that 240 million people across the globe are carriers of the genetic disease thalassemia, and 10 million babies are born with the disease in the world every year.

In her address, Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury stressed the need for prevention of thalassemia disease and said examination of blood is necessary for the brides and bridegrooms before marriage.

She said creation of awareness among the people against the disease is necessary. To this end, she called for campaigns across the country through print and electronic media.

Dr MR Khan underscored the need for conducting an extensive survey to determine the actual numbers of the patients and carriers of thalassemia disease in the country.

The speakers urged the government to introduce thalassemia units in all government hospitals at district and upazila levels.

They thanked the National Board of Revenue for waving duty and VAT on the export of medicines for thalassemia disease.