World Thalassemia Day is celebrated every year on May 8 across the world to spread awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, which is characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. The main aim of this international day is to educate individuals about the causes, treatment, prevention, and great support for those people who are suffering from thalassemia. This International Day also highlights the importance of genetic testing for people across the world.

Thalassemia is a hereditary or genetic blood disorder, which affects the capability of the body to generate or produce hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that enables red blood cells to transfer or send oxygen to your body.  It may cause anemia-like signs or symptoms which range from mild to severe. Treatment may contain blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Thalassemia may cause mild or severe anemia and many other complications like iron overload, over time. Several symptoms of Thalassemia are feeling cold, fatigue, problems in breathing, dizziness, weakness, dark urine, pale skin, abdominal swelling, and many more.

Thalassemia is mainly caused by mutations in the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) of cells which make hemoglobin that is present in red blood cells and carries oxygen throughout your human body. The mutations linked to thalassemia which are passed from parents to children.