Introduction
On 8 May 2025, the Afghan Medical Complex (AMC) by Atta Welfare Foundation joined the global community in observing World Thalassemia Day. This year’s commemoration carried a deep significance as AMC gathered patients, their parents, healthcare experts, researchers, and representatives from the Ministry of Public Health Afghanistan to highlight the challenges posed by thalassemia and to share a message of hope.The event was not only a day of awareness but also one of compassion — a reminder that while thalassemia is a painful reality for many Afghan families, solidarity and action can bring relief and change.
Thalassemia in Context
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that requires lifelong management through blood transfusions and medical care. It disproportionately affects children, often robbing them of their health and forcing families into cycles of financial strain and emotional suffering.In Afghanistan, the situation is particularly concerning. Limited diagnostic facilities, scarce specialised centres, and lack of widespread awareness have left countless families without access to early detection or consistent treatment. Research and experts at the event highlighted a critical fact: blood-related marriages (consanguineous relationships) are one of the major causes of thalassemia in Afghanistan, making community awareness even more vital.
Hearing the Voices of Patients and Families
One of the most moving parts of the programme was listening directly to the voices of children living with thalassemia and their parents. Their painful stories of frequent transfusions, hospital visits, and social stigma touched everyone present.Yet alongside the pain, there was resilience. These families shared not just their struggles but also their courage, reminding us why awareness, prevention, and accessible care must be at the heart of our healthcare initiatives.
Learning from Experts and Researchers
The presence of researchers and healthcare professionals added depth to the programme. They provided insights into the causes, prevention strategies, and treatment pathways for thalassemia, while also emphasising the importance of public health policy, screening programmes, and education campaigns. Experts stressed that with greater awareness and preventive measures, Afghanistan can reduce the burden of thalassemia. The event underscored the need for both national-level policies and community-level interventions.
AMC’s Contribution on Thalassemia Day
For AMC, this day was about more than just raising awareness. It was also about standing shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. The AMC team provided:
- Gifts and smiles for every child living with thalassemia, reminding them they are not forgotten.
- Financial support for families to celebrate Eid without the stress of additional costs, ensuring they could experience joy and dignity during this special time.
These acts of solidarity may be small in the face of a large problem, but they carry immense meaning for families who struggle every day with the heavy burden of this disease.
A Motivational Experience
For AMC’s team, this programme was a deeply motivational experience. Meeting patients face-to-face, hearing their stories, and learning from experts strengthened our commitment to building facilities and services that will one day bring relief to Afghan families battling thalassemia. It reaffirmed our mission: to provide free to affordable treatment and to integrate thalassemia care into the Afghan Medical Complex as part of our holistic approach to blood disorders and cancer.
Looking Ahead
This World Thalassemia Day was not just a commemoration — it was a call to action. Moving forward, AMC will continue to work with the Ministry of Public Health, researchers, and international partners to:
- Raise awareness about thalassemia’s causes and prevention.
- Advocate for national screening and genetic counselling programmes.
- Build capacity for diagnosis and treatment within Afghanistan.
- Support families with compassion, dignity, and care.
Conclusion
World Thalassemia Day 2025 reminded us that behind every statistic lies a child, a family, and a story of resilience. The Afghan Medical Complex is honoured to stand alongside patients, parents, experts, and the Afghan Ministry of Public Health in this fight.
