DEPwD organized Awareness Programmes across the country on World Thalassemia Day 2025

Introduction

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
organized various awareness programmes on World Thalassemia Day on 8th May 2025, through its subordinate national
institutions and Comprehensive Regional Centres (CRCs) across the country. This year’s theme was
‘Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients’. The day is dedicated to spreading awareness
about serious genetic blood disorders like thalassemia and supporting people affected by it.

About Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder, inherited from one or both parents. It affects red blood cells
due to a genetic mutation, which leads to a reduction in the alpha or beta globin chains of haemoglobin. This results in
reduced production of red blood cells and reduced supply of oxygenated blood to the body parts, leading to anaemia.

Awareness Programmes Organized

• National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata:
  Organized a public awareness programme and webinar covering the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, management,
  and prevention of Thalassemia for patients and caregivers.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), SVNIRTAR, Cuttack:
  Conducted a special awareness programme with expert lectures focusing on severity, timely diagnosis, prevention,
  and management of Thalassemia.
• Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Jaipur:
  In collaboration with Vivekanand Global University, organized an awareness event where experts provided
  information about thalassemia and government schemes for Divyangjan.
• CRC Davanagere:
  Held a scientific awareness programme featuring specialist doctors discussing clinical aspects, genetic counseling,
  and multidisciplinary care. 73 participants including Divyangjan, caregivers, and students attended.
• CRC Nagpur and CRC Rajnandgaon:
  Hosted a webinar featuring multiple experts. Additionally, CRC Rajnandgaon conducted a health check-up and blood
  donation camp with the Red Cross Society.

Conclusion

Other National Institutions and CRCs under the department also organized awareness events. The objective was to
spread awareness about Thalassemia, promote early diagnosis, and support affected individuals and their families.