Focus: GS II- Health
Why in News?
On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs virtually addressed the webinar “Challenges in Thalassemia 2022” in New Delhi.
About Thalassemia:
- Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition in which the body generates insufficient haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein molecule found in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Anemia is caused by the severe loss of red blood cells caused by this illness.
- Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin is lower than usual.
- It is a hereditary disorder that is caused mostly by faulty haemoglobin production. It is passed down by one of the parents who is a carrier of the disease due to a genetic mutation or deletion of specific critical gene segments.
- Acute thalassemia may require regular blood transfusions, whereas mild thalassemia does not require therapy.
