SARGODHA:The College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha (UoS) organised an awareness programme titled ‘We Want Thalassemia-Free Pakistan’ to highlight preventive measures against the inherited blood disorder and the importance of voluntary blood donation. The programme was attended by representatives of various institutions, a team of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), faculty members and students.
Principal College of Agriculture Prof Dr Ijaz Rasool Noor, NCHD Sargodha Deputy Director Mehr Umar Draz Jhawari, SP Investigation Sargodha Imran Abbas Chadhar, District Officer Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Ali Abid Naqvi, Pakistan Red Crescent Society Assistant Director Dr Mustansar Raza, Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Executive Member Shazia Bangash, Give Life Foundation Chairman Muhammad Usman Haseeb and NCHD Assistant Director Asif Ali Tarrar were among the participants.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Dr Ijaz Rasool Noor said educational institutions could play a significant role in promoting health awareness and sensitising young people to their social responsibilities. He urged students to help spread awareness about thalassemia prevention and voluntary blood donation.
Mehr Umar Draz Jhawari stressed the need to raise public awareness about inherited diseases such as thalassemia, adding that NCHD was promoting awareness initiatives in collaboration with educational institutions and relevant organisations.
SP Investigation Imran Abbas Chadhar said collective efforts and public cooperation were essential to achieving the goal of a thalassemia-free Pakistan. Ali Abid Naqvi highlighted the importance of disease-prevention awareness to protect children’s health and future, while calling for greater community support for affected children and their families.
Dr Mustansar Raza described blood donation as a valuable humanitarian service that could offer hope to thalassemia patients. He urged healthy individuals to understand the importance of voluntary blood donation to help patients in need.
Shazia Bangash emphasised joint efforts by educational institutions, social organisations and the business community to promote awareness and prevent the spread of the disease. Muhammad Usman Haseeb called for greater attention to awareness, preventive measures and voluntary blood donation, while Asif Ali Tarrar said awareness campaigns could help educate young people about thalassemia prevention and the importance of donating blood.
The programme aimed to increase public understanding of thalassemia and encourage collective action for its prevention. Participants pledged to continue joint efforts to promote the message of a thalassemia-free Pakistan, encourage voluntary blood donation and strengthen public cooperation.
At the conclusion, students and faculty members also expressed their resolve to contribute towards achieving the goal of a thalassemia-free Pakistan.