Why Invest in Health & Thalassaemia Awareness?
Health is not just about survival — it is about dignity, equality, and opportunity.
Yet for thousands of families in Gujarat and across India, preventable blood disorders like Thalassaemia continue to cause lifelong emotional and financial hardship.
The Scope of the Challenge
High Prevalence in Gujarat:
Approximately 4–5% of Gujarat’s population carries the Thalassaemia Minor gene, compared to the national average of 3–4% (Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 2022).
This means nearly 2 million people in the state are potential carriers — often without knowing it.
Concentration of Cases:
Gujarat accounts for nearly 25% of India’s Thalassaemia Minor cases, making it one of the most affected regions in the country (IMSRF Foundation Report, 2023).
Genetic Transmission Risk:
When both parents carry Thalassaemia Minor, there is a 25% chance their child will be born with Thalassaemia Major — a severe, lifelong condition (Thalassaemia International Federation, 2023).
Impact on Life Expectancy:
Without consistent and specialized treatment, children with Thalassaemia Major often survive only into their second or third decade of life.
Even with medical care, families face immense emotional stress and long-term financial strain.
Economic & Emotional Burden:
The cost of regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and hospital visits can exceed ₹200,000 INR per year (≈ $3,000 CAD), placing overwhelming pressure on low-income households (National Health Mission, India, 2023).
A Preventable Tragedy
Thalassaemia is preventable through early carrier screening, genetic counselling, and public awareness.
Countries such as Cyprus and Iran have reduced new Thalassaemia births by over 90% through early testing and education programs (WHO, 2022).
At Life Global Canada, we’re focused on:
By investing in awareness, prevention, and sustained care, we can help ensure that every child has the chance to live a full and healthy life.
Aarav was just three years old when his parents learned he had Thalassaemia Major. They were devastated — unaware that both were carriers of the Minor gene. With limited financial means, the family struggled to balance lifesaving treatment with basic household needs.
Through the continued support and regular blood supply provided by the Saurashtra Medical & Educational Charitable Trust, Aarav began receiving consistent transfusions under medical supervision at a medical centre in Rajkot.
Today, Aarav’s mother has become an advocate for Thalassaemia awareness, encouraging families to get tested early.
“If we had known before, we could have made different choices. Now I tell every parent — please get tested.”
Aarav’s story shows why awareness saves lives. Every screening, counselling session, and act of compassion prevents another family from facing the same heartbreak.
(Story adapted from IMSRF’s Thalassaemia Prevention Centre – life4life.org.in/thalassemia/home)
Your voice can save lives.
Join Life Global Canada to spread awareness about blood disorders and the importance of early screening.
Volunteers can support community outreach, awareness events, family assistance programs, and fundraising initiatives.
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Your donation brings hope to families affected by Thalassaemia and helps fund prevention programs for future generations.
Every contribution supports medical aid, awareness materials, and gives children like Aarav the chance to live longer, healthier lives.
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References
Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Vol. 38, Issue 3 (2022)
Thalassaemia International Federation – Global Genetic Disorders Data (2023)
World Health Organization – “Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies” (2022)
National Health Mission, India – Thalassaemia Burden Report (2023)
IMSRF – Thalassaemia Prevention Centre – https://www.life4life.org.in/thalassemia/home