Every year, World Thalassemia Day is observed on 8th May to spread awareness about this inheritable blood disease.

Thalassemia is a blood disorder characterized by abnormal form of hemoglobin, a blood protein whose function is to carry oxygen to the tissues.

It is a inheritable disease, means it is transfered from the parents to the children if either of the parents is affected.

According to Thalassemia International Foundation, currently there are 150890 people living with Thalassemia in south asia and 45346 babies are born with this disease every year.

The theme for 2013 is ' The right for quality health care for every patient with thalassemia major and beyond '.