thalassemia campaign launched at dubai men’s college
In line with the UAE Federal Government’s plans to free the UAE of thalassemia by the year 2012, the UAE Thalassemia Board has just launched a campaign to test as many students as possible at Dubai Men’s College for this genetic disorder. Screening for thalassemia has already been carried out by the Thalassemia Board in numerous schools and universities across the country.
The thalassemia campaign at DMC will run from 17 – 19th February and again from 24 – 27 February and besides screening students, the Thalassemia Board hopes to raise awareness of this illness amongst both staff and students via banners, posters, videos and information sessions.
The aim of this campaign is to ensure that future generations are born thalassemia-free. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential that the whole of the UAE population is screened for thalassemia before marriage since the thalassemia gene can be passed on to their children. There are also plans to screen expatriates living in the country in the near future.
Dr. Philip Hicks, Director of Dubai Men’s College said: “Thalassemia is a major concern for the UAE Government so here at Dubai Men’s College we are more than happy to support the thalassemia campaign as it will result in healthy future generations.”
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
