Thalassemia awareness rally held in Karachi by Kashif Iqbal Thalassemia Care Center
KARACHI: In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, the Kashif Iqbal Thalassemia Care Center, the nation’s largest facility for thalassemia care, organized its annual thalassemia awareness rally on Dalmia Road, Karachi. The event aimed to spread public awareness about thalassemia prevention, promote blood donation, and underscore the urgent need for premarital screening.
The rally, which began at the center and concluded at Millennium Mall, drew active participation from dozens of thalassemia-affected children, their families, doctors, and healthcare staff. Young patients carried eye-catching banners and placards educating the public on how early diagnosis and preventive testing can stop thalassemia from spreading.
A continuing mission fueled by personal loss
Chairman Muhammad Iqbal, the founder of the center, addressed the media during the event. He explained that 5,000 to 6,000 children are born with thalassemia in Pakistan annually, primarily due to lack of awareness and limited screening practices. He highlighted that over 100,000 children across the country are battling this inherited blood disorder, many of whom require regular blood transfusions for survival.
“I lost my son, Kashif Iqbal, in 1996 to thalassemia. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to this cause,” Iqbal stated.
The center’s first awareness rally was held in 1997 and has since become a yearly tradition.
“We will continue this mission until Pakistan is free of thalassemia,” he affirmed.
Focus on prevention and support
Iqbal emphasized premarital thalassemia testing as the most effective method to reduce future cases. He also urged the public to donate blood regularly, as compatible donors are often hard to find. Having personally donated 70 pints of blood, Iqbal was recently advised by doctors to stop due to health concerns — a testament to his lifelong commitment.
While acknowledging government efforts in public health campaigns, he called for stronger public-private cooperation and wider adoption of carrier screening programs.
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