A significant Thalassemia awareness seminar and free screening camp was held at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), organized by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (IBBB), Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences. The event was conducted in collaboration with the Punjab Thalassemia & Other Genetic Disorders Prevention & Research Institute (PTGD) regional center in Bahawalpur.
Dr. Samina Rubnawaz extended a warm welcome to all attendees, comprising students and faculty members, at the Jinnah Auditorium. She highlighted the importance of such awareness sessions in combating genetic disorders like Thalassemia.
Dr. Rao Nadeem Ahmad Shahid, Administrator of the Thalassemia Department, was the guest speaker. He delivered an enlightening talk on the current status of Thalassemia in Pakistan. Dr. Shahid underscored the crucial need for premarital blood screening to identify Thalassemia carriers and prevent the transmission of this genetic disorder.
Dr. Muhammad Siddique, Regional Director of PTGD, Bahawalpur Region, elaborated on the institute’s efforts towards achieving a Thalassemia-free Pakistan. He emphasized the pivotal role of PTGD in research and prevention, urging a nationwide effort to address this pressing health issue.
Dr. Mirza Imran Shahzad, Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, encouraged student participation in the screening camp. He stressed that ongoing activities like these are vital in preventing Thalassemia from escalating into a major health crisis in Pakistan.
The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Director of IBBB. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Muhammad Siddique, Dr. Rao Nadeem, the blood sampling team, and the participating students. He also thanked Dr. Shazia Anjum, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences, for her support in making the event possible.
The speakers collectively emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between academic researchers and the health sector, proposing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IUB and PTGD to formalize this partnership.
Following the seminar, Mr. Naveed Ijaz, Field Monitoring Officer, and Mr. Abid Hussain, Field Officer, collected blood samples from students and faculty members for further screening. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the early detection and management of Thalassemia and other genetic disorders.
The event marked a critical step towards raising awareness and fostering a proactive approach to genetic health, aligning with national efforts to mitigate the prevalence of Thalassemia in Pakistan.
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