'Thalassemia' cases to double in next few decades: WHO

Mumbai, Jan 29 (UNI) The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted a doubling of the statistics of Thalassemia, one of the most dreaded diseases, within the next few decades, ICRI Dean Dr S K Gupta said here today.

Dr Gupta made these observations at ''Awareness Campaign To Fight Thalassemia'', organised by Institute of Clinical Research, India in (ICRI) in collaboration with the Think Foundation.

Ignorance about the disease is one of the biggest challenges and this is likely to increase the numbers of Thalassemia gene carriers or ''minors'', who on marrying each other are likely to give birth to a Thalassemia major baby in 25 per cent cases, which is avoidable, Dr Gupta added.

The campaign, which started on January 25 at the ICRI campus, concluded today witnessing the participation of leading doctors from the metropolis, ICRI faculty and reputed professionals in the field of clinical research from ICRI campuses across India, graduates from science, medical and pharmacy colleges, guests and invitees from the corporate industry.

A blood donation camp was also organised as a part of the campaign on January 25, in order to provide blood transfusion facilities to thalassemics.

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