Thalassemia awareness programs in Malaysia
According to the latest studies, 4.5% of the world population has thalassemia, which is a hereditary blood disease with a high risk of appearing in children of parents who are carriers. Thalassemia patients need monthly blood transfusions throughout their life, which can at times entail multi organ failure. Currently these patients have a life expectancy in Malaysia of 23 to 25 years.
In the state of Sabah, a Repsol operations area in the country, around 1,800 cases of thalassemia were counted in 2018, which continues to grow every year with births and has placed it at the top of the country.
However, thalassemia can be prevented with awareness-raising campaigns, constantly sharing information with high-risk communities.
Repsol has been providing support in the region since 2015 for programs to raise awareness about thalassemia. This work is done in collaboration with the local health department and the NGO Thalassemia Society of Sabah, made up primarily of parents of children affected by the disease
The business unit in the country also annually sponsors the International Day of Thalassemia, which is part of the contribution to the sustainable development goals and wellness focused on helping the most disadvantaged groups in the regions where we operate.
Repsol, in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Health and Thalassemia Society, have facilitated the performance of blood analyses for future spouses and pregnant women to determine if they are carriers and combat the disease at the source.
Objectives
Promote and increase awareness about the disease of thalassemia in the community
Encourage the public to donate blood to help thalassemia patients who need constant blood transfusions
Involve the community in the fight against the disease to eradicate thalassemia in Malaysia by 2030
Despite the fact that a large part of the programs focus on raising awareness and prevention, activities are also carried out that aim to achieve a better world for children affected by thalassemia, as they all deserve equal care and well-being.
These measures include blood donation campaigns, nutrition classes, inspirational speakers, painting classes for preschool children, and exhibitions of art made by patients, among other notable actions.
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