Karachi (HRNW) The Department of Microbiology of the University of Karachi organized a seminar on Thalassemia awareness, coupled with a blood screening program and a tree plantation campaign, in connection with Independence Week celebrations, on Wednesday.
The event brought together medical experts, faculty members, and students to highlight the urgent need for preventive measures against Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that continues to affect thousands of families across Pakistan.
The Consultant and the Chief Executive Officer of Childrens’ Hospital and President of Umair Sana Foundation Dr Saqib Ansari delivered a keynote address in which he revealed alarming statistics: approximately 100,000 children in Pakistan are currently living with Thalassemia, and their survival depends on the availability of nearly 1.8 million bottles of blood every year.
He further explained that between 5,000 to 10,000 children are born annually with Thalassemia, while an estimated 10 million individuals in the country are Thalassemia minor (carriers). These figures, he stressed, underline the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for nationwide awareness and preventive action.
Dr Ansari emphasized that families with a Thalassemia patient must ensure that all close relatives—particularly blood relations such as uncles, aunts, and cousins—undergo Thalassemia screening. This, he said, is essential to safeguard future generations from inheriting the disease.
He declared pre-marital Thalassemia screening indispensable, warning that if two Thalassemia minor individuals marry, the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Thalassemia major increases significantly. He urged that pre-marital screening be adopted as a standard practice across society, describing it as one of the most effective measures to prevent this life-threatening hereditary condition.
The KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio, in his presidential remarks, drew a parallel between the struggle against Thalassemia and the struggle for independence. He observed that people often fail to appreciate what they receive without effort, unlike the achievements gained through sacrifice and perseverance.
He reminded the audience that the true worth of freedom can only be understood by those who endured hardships and offered unparalleled sacrifices for its attainment. Pakistan’s emergence as a free and sovereign state, he said, was the result of the visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and historic struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions. While they fulfilled their responsibilities, it is now the duty of every citizen to play their role with honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail stressed that neglecting national and social responsibilities, whether consciously or unconsciously, harms both society and the country. He urged students to dedicate their talents, energies, and knowledge to the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, to remain vigilant against anti-national propaganda, and to never allow themselves to become tools of destructive elements.
He noted that social media has become an integral part of students’ lives, making its responsible, constructive, and positive use essential to protect youth from misleading information, rumors, and divisive content.
The KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail also underscored the importance of promoting awareness about Thalassemia, stating that organizing seminars and blood screening programs alongside Independence Day celebrations is a commendable initiative.
He added that donating blood is a noble humanitarian service that not only saves precious lives but also has proven positive health effects for healthy donors, according to scientific research.
Earlier, the KU Chairman of the Department of Microbiology Professor Dr Abdul Wahab delivered the welcome address. He elaborated on the objectives of the seminar and the plantation campaign, highlighting the department’s commitment to combining academic activities with social responsibility.
The event concluded with the inauguration of a tree plantation drive, where the KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio, and the President of Umair Sana Foundation Dr Saqib Ansari, and others planted a sapling, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the university’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
