Since 1993, “8 May World Thalassemia Day” has been observed worldwide to emphasize the importance of thalassemia and other hereditary blood disorders and raise societal awareness.
Prof. Dr. Yeşim Aydınok, a Pediatric Hematology Specialist at Ege University Department of Pediatrics, and Zafer Ali Yavan, Strategy President of ZAY, shared important information regarding the blood needs of thalassemia patients.
Highlighting that thalassemia is particularly prevalent in subtropical regions worldwide but has become a global health issue due to migration, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Aydınok stated that the areas most affected by thalassemia include countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Far East, with 68,000 children born annually with major thalassemia worldwide. Aydınok emphasized that thalassemia is a genetically inherited disease and that it manifests in children of parents who both carry this genetic trait (carriers), adding that carrier couples at risk of having a child with thalassemia can be identified through premarital screenings.
Ece Kaşıkcı, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb Türkiye, emphasized their aim to raise awareness about thalassemia by creating societal consciousness, stating, “Bristol Myers Squibb, operating in nearly 50 countries, is not only a company that provides innovative treatment options to patients but also contributes to human life with its social responsibility projects and awareness campaigns. We strive to raise awareness in various disease areas with high unmet needs, aiming to increase awareness among all stakeholders. Today, we aim to raise awareness about thalassemia and share the needs and expectations in the field with the public.”
Zafer Ali Yavan, ZAY Strategy President, drew attention to the need for blood support for thalassemia patients in light of the “Beyond Blood Project Türkiye Initiative Report” published by Bristol Myers Squibb Türkiye, which presents the current status of blood transfusion in Türkiye with data. Yavan provided information about the blood management system in Türkiye.
