Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder- a birth defect. For a child to survive, it requires repeated blood transfusions- almost twice every month and lifelong. This full blown expression of the disorder results in a child if both mother and father are mere carriers of the gene in question –a variation of the normal gene - that is present in some 4% of the Indian population. This is why, it is important to find out BEFORE MARRIAGEABLE AGE, if you are a carrier, or at least BEFORE marriage that whether you or your partner is a carrier of this gene because even after marriage, certain steps can be taken to avoid the birth of an affected child or help the family with an affected child. This is done under Birth Defects (ABD project) and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
So, how can we prevent, minimise or reverse the impact of genetic disorders (and
there are plenty unfortunately) is the central mantra of GAP Health (Genomics & Public Health) Foundation. So, what can save us from this epidemic of Non-
communicable diseases?
Education, Education, Education, EDUCATION!
THT and SMTA recently hosted a 2 day workshop (12, 13 Jan 2019) on the theme of
Genes, variations and Disease focussing on prevention of Thalassemia, organised
by GAP Health and Userc, where high school students were educated and
imparted skills required for participation in prevention programmes. This is a new but very timely intervention, because as the population of India is changing
(demographic and epidemiological transition), we will be seeing less infections and more of such developmental, degenerative, inherited disorders in large populations.
We thank all the students (about 40), their teachers (about 8), USERC, GAP
, their teams, volunteers- and everyone, who participated or helped and
made it a fun learning experience for all of us.
Anjali ji and Manju Singhania ji conducted sessions on disability and down syndrome, among other interesting and relevant topics. In the concluding session, Dr Pant (USERC) participated and distributed awards to winners of the quiz. Cyril sahab watched over everything, as the overall facilitator of this coming together of hearts and minds, from diverse fields.
Here are some pictures::
See the post below, about paper microscope and how it was used, under guidance from Siddharth ji (GAP).
So, how can we prevent, minimise or reverse the impact of genetic disorders (and
there are plenty unfortunately) is the central mantra of GAP Health (Genomics & Public Health) Foundation. So, what can save us from this epidemic of Non-
communicable diseases?
Education, Education, Education, EDUCATION!
THT and SMTA recently hosted a 2 day workshop (12, 13 Jan 2019) on the theme of
Genes, variations and Disease focussing on prevention of Thalassemia, organised
by GAP Health and Userc, where high school students were educated and
imparted skills required for participation in prevention programmes. This is a new but very timely intervention, because as the population of India is changing
(demographic and epidemiological transition), we will be seeing less infections and more of such developmental, degenerative, inherited disorders in large populations.
We thank all the students (about 40), their teachers (about 8), USERC, GAP
, their teams, volunteers- and everyone, who participated or helped and
made it a fun learning experience for all of us.
Anjali ji and Manju Singhania ji conducted sessions on disability and down syndrome, among other interesting and relevant topics. In the concluding session, Dr Pant (USERC) participated and distributed awards to winners of the quiz. Cyril sahab watched over everything, as the overall facilitator of this coming together of hearts and minds, from diverse fields.
Here are some pictures::
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| Students having an ice breaker |
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| Dr Bamzai interacting with students. |
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| Shikha (GAP) facilitating a session on child rights |
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| Child rights is the framework for the workshop |
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| Group work |
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| Dr Sujata discussing Chromosomes, genes, Hemoglobin before hands on testing |
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