DOHA: Child patients at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell diseases took a day out enjoying acrobats, magic shows, mascots, games and rides at the Jungle Zone in Hyatt Plaza Mall during the annual Thalassemia Day celebration yesterday.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by an abnormal gene that affects a person’s ability to produce haemoglobin leading to anaemia. Sickle cell disease, on the other hand, is a blood disorder characterised by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape.

“Through this activity, we want to make the children feel they’re not different, giving them a chance to play and enjoy themselves through interaction with other kids,” Fuad Shaqadan, Senior Marketing Executive at the Hyatt Plaza, one of the sponsors of the event said.

“HMC has nearly 60 patients suffering from thalassemia and around 70 who suffer from sickle cell disease,” Dr Naima Ali Al Mulla, Consultant Paediatrician and Head of Haematology and Oncology Unit at the Hamad Medical Corporation said.

To raise awareness regarding the chronic diseases, a session was also conducted among the parents and relatives of the patients and the general public.

“It is very important for people to be aware and educated regarding these diseases and for the child patients to be part of the community,” Dr. Al Mulla said.

In connection with raising public awareness, the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit of the HMC will be conducting a campaign from today until Thursday at the Hamad Hospital and Al Sadd Paediatric clinic, which will include distribution of brochures to the public and other activities, Dr Al Mulla announced. Among other activities of the Unit geared toward their public awareness campaign are publications on the diseases; preparing video on the diseases, their causes and treatment; and producing CD on the project. THE PENINSULA