Hyderabad, 09 October 2023:  Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) Hyderabad today hosted its 2nd National Conference to Combat Thalassemia at the TSCS Hyderabad premises in Shivrampally, focusing on the theme, “A Journey towards Awareness, Share, Care, and Cure.”

The conference had experts, patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, all who came together in their unwavering commitment to combat Thalassemia and to raise awareness about this genetic blood disorder. With a central theme of “Aware, Share, Care, and Cure for Thalassemia,” the event aimed to disseminate knowledge, foster collaboration, and provide hope to those affected with thalassemia.

Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, can be effectively controlled through targeted screening, antenatal screening in women, and extended family screening for Thalassemia Major. TSCS along with the participants of this national conference called to the government to make HbA2 testing mandatory during the first trimester of pregnancy to aid in early detection and thus lead to eradication.

Distinguished international speakers and chief guests, Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis, Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus Medical School, Greece, and Dr. Lawrence Faulkner, BMT Specialist at the Cure2children Foundation, Italy graced the event with their invaluable insights and expertise, enriching the conference discussions. Some of the key sessions were advances in management of thalassemia from diagnosis to novel therapies; prevention and prenatal diagnosis strategies for thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia; BMT as a curative therapy.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of TSCS Hyderabad, expressed his enthusiasm said  “This conference is a successful representation of our collective commitment to combat Thalassemia. The discussions which  happened here undoubtedly contributed to better treatment options and support for those affected by Thalassemia. TSCS always strives hard and goes the extra mile to make Telangana and India Thalassemia-free.”

Dr. Suman Jain, CEO and Secretary of TSCS Hyderabad shared her thoughts, stating, “We are thrilled to host this conference and it’s a unique opportunity which brought together experts and thalassemia patients at a common platform. Together, we can work towards a future where thalassemia is better understood and prevented.”

Talking about the 2nd national conference, Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis, Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus Medical School, Greece, said, “I am honoured to be a part of this second National conference conducted by Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, Hyderabad. TSCS does great work to combat Thalassemia in India. I am very eager to collaborate and discuss further to make the world Thalassemia-free.”

Dr. Lawrence Faulkner, BMT Specialist at the Cure2children Foundation, Italy, expressed his feelings about the 2nd National Conference, saying, “Thalassemia is a curable disease, but it is costly and includes a few complications. I believe prevention is much better than cure. If your child has a compatible sibling, through Bone Marrow Transplantation, the Thalassemia-affected child can be effectively cured. However, it is more expensive and has a lower success rate, similar to Gene Therapy. Therefore, fighting it at the beginning level and preventing it is the best we can do.”

The 2nd National Conference stood as a testament to the unwavering dedication of TSCS Hyderabad and its partners in the battle against Thalassemia. It not only promotes awareness but also reinforces the importance of sharing knowledge, caring for those affected, and striving for a cure.