Karachi, March 02, 2022 (PPI-OT):Centre for Guidance Career Planning and Placement of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) organized Thalassemia Awareness Program at the campus that was attended by Convenor Guidance Centre, Siraj Khilji, Dean Faculty of Computing and Applied Science, Prof Dr Aqeel ur Rehman, Director Guidance Centre, Dr Shakeel, Dr Tabinda, Madiha Aadil, Mrs Munira Vali Uddin (wife of Vice Chancellor SSUET), Mrs Husna Sarfraz (wife of Registrar SSUET), and a large number of faculty members and students.
Chief Guest of the event was Reema Ismail, wife of Governor Sindh. Thalassemia is blood disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells. Treatment can include blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Speaking on the auspicious occasion, Reema Ismail said that the Thalassemia is increasing at alarming rate in Pakistan. The main reason behind the spread of Thalassemia in Pakistan is lack of awareness and holding of such events may create awareness among people to respond appropriately for prevention and protection from the horrible disorder.
Raising awareness about Thalassemia and its prevention through premarital screening of individuals can prove helpful in reducing the chances of its transmission to the next generation. Thalassemia is spreading in Asian countries while other counties has controlled the disease. Pakistan has around 100,000 Thalassemia patients and every year 5,000 to 8,000 children are born with Thalassemia major in Pakistan.
Treatment of the disease cost around 10,000 to 25,000 per child. Patient may die if he was not treated well. Expected life of Thalassemia patient is 12 years. Emphasizing on to establishing Thalassemia Screening Camps at the universities, she told that for community engagement, efforts are made to develop liaison with the Bohra and Agha khan Community to commence a screening drive and post screening for carriers. This progress will move ahead in various forms in the community. She asked students to join CHECKMATE, a volunteer program for universities and colleges under the umbrella of Thalassemia Free Pakistan.
Appreciating the work of the dedicated SSUET team, she said, “The event was a well- organized and well attended program and we were impressed with your efforts to support the noble cause. Our mission is to prevent and cure Thalassemia by creating widespread awareness through community engagement on prevention, early detection and increased access to treatment.” Addressing the seminar, Vice Chancellor Prof.
Dr Vali Uddin, said that this is a one of the most important issue that must be addressed at humanitarian ground at priority. Collective effort of all NGOs and concerned organization in collaboration with the Government is necessary for eradication of the disease to form a healthy and better society. Dr Abdul Mateen Ansar of the Governor House gave a very informative presentation about the prevention and cure of the disease, while Thalassemia victim, Jatin Chela Ram Kewlani shared his experiences. Registrar SSUET, Commodore (R) Syed Sarfraz Ali presented the vote of thanks.
For more information, contact:
Deputy Director Information,
Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET)
University Road, Karachi-75300, Pakistan
Mobile: 0333-2197581
Tel: +92-21-4988000-2, 4982393-474583
Fax: +92-21-4982393
Email: ahdaccani@gmail.com
Website: https://ssuet.edu.pk/