On 8th May 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized extensive awareness programs for World Thalassemia Day. Held through its national institutions and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) across India, these initiatives aligned with the theme Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients. This topic is crucial for competitive exam aspirants focusing on current affairs and social welfare schemes.
Understanding Thalassemia
A Genetic Blood Disorder
Thalassemia is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder inherited from one or both parents, affecting red blood cells due to mutations in alpha or beta globin chains of hemoglobin. This leads to reduced red blood cell production and insufficient oxygen supply, causing anemia. Awareness about its causes, symptoms, and management is vital, making it a relevant topic for exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking.
Key Awareness Initiatives by DEPwD
Programs Across National Institutions and CRCs
Various institutes under DEPwD conducted tailored programs to educate communities about thalassemia:
- NILD Kolkata: Organized a public awareness program and webinar focusing on thalassemia’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and prevention for patients and caregivers.
- SVNIRTAR Cuttack: Held a special awareness program with expert-led lectures on the severity, timely diagnosis, and management of thalassemia.
- CRC Jaipur: Collaborated with Vivekanand Global University to provide information on thalassemia and government schemes for Divyangjan.
- CRC Davanagere: Hosted a scientific awareness program with 73 participants, including Divyangjan and students, emphasizing genetic counseling and multidisciplinary care.
- CRC Nagpur and Rajnandgaon: Conducted a webinar and organized a health check-up and blood donation camp in collaboration with the Red Cross Society.
Objectives and Impact
Promoting Early Diagnosis and Support
The nationwide programs aimed to raise societal awareness about thalassemia, promote early diagnosis, and provide support to affected individuals and families. By educating Divyangjan, caregivers, and students, these initiatives strengthened community resilience and highlighted government efforts in inclusive healthcare, a key focus for competitive exam syllabi.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Study Resource for Aspirants
World Thalassemia Day 2025 and DEPwD’s initiatives are significant for aspirants preparing for competitive exams. Topics like social welfare schemes, health awareness, and disability empowerment are frequently covered in exams like IAS, IBPS, and RRB. Aspirants can refer to official DEPwD resources and GKboard.in for detailed updates on such initiatives.
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