KMU hosts Thalassemia awareness symposium 2026

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar, in collaboration with the Nigehban-e-Khoon Welfare Organization, here on Thursday organized the Thalassemia Awareness Symposium 2026.

The event was arranged by the KMU-Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Hafeezullah Auditorium under the theme “Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed, Supporting the Unseen”, to promote awareness regarding the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of thalassemia.

The symposium was attended by a large number of faculty members and students alongside distinguished guests including Professor Dr. Sami Siraj, Director KMU-IPS; Alkhidmat Foundation President Khalid Waqas Chamkani; Public Health Expert Dr. Ayesha Imtiaz; and Dr. Dur-e-Nayab from Prime Hospital Peshawar.

Speakers highlighted the importance of public awareness, timely diagnosis and effective treatment of thalassemia, describing it as a preventable hereditary disease.

They emphasized that awareness campaigns, genetic counseling, and premarital screening could play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of the disease in Pakistan.

The experts further noted that only around five percent of the population in Pakistan voluntarily donates blood, which is insufficient considering the increasing number of thalassemia patients and the growing demand for blood due to rising accidents and medical emergencies. They stressed upon the urgent need to promote a stronger culture of voluntary blood donation across the country.

Addressing the audience, speakers reiterated that thalassemia was not only manageable but could also largely be prevented through precautionary measures and widespread public education.

They called for collective efforts from healthcare institutions, educational organizations, civil society, and the public to combat the disease effectively.

During the event, special mention was made of the Nigehban-e-Khoon Welfare Organization, a student-led initiative established by KMU students in February 2025.

The organization aimed to raise awareness about thalassemia and encourage voluntary blood donations.

According to organizers, the initiative successfully arranged blood donations for approximately 185 children suffering from thalassemia during 2025 through an organized donor network.

In addition to awareness sessions, medical experts delivered detailed presentations on the causes, prevention, and treatment of thalassemia.

Students also presented engaging skits highlighting the harmful effects of the disease and ways to prevent it, which received widespread appreciation from the audience.

The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to continue such awareness initiatives in the future and a collective call for enhanced public awareness, institutional collaboration, and community participation to help eradicate Thalassemia from society.