President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that International Thalassemia Day serves as a reminder of the importance of humanity and compassion in supporting individuals and families affected by the condition.
The President made the remarks in a message shared on social media to mark International Thalassemia Day, observed annually on 8 May.
In his message, President Muizzu said the annual observance highlights the importance of upholding humanitarian values and kindness, while also emphasising the need to provide support and cooperation to every Maldivian child and family affected by thalassemia. He added that the day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold these values in efforts to build a resilient nation.
President Muizzu further stated that every Maldivian living with thalassemia should be treated as a member of one’s own family. He noted that it is the government’s duty and responsibility to ensure access to necessary healthcare services, social protection, and opportunities for affected individuals and their families.
International Thalassemia Day is observed globally each year to raise awareness about the condition, provide support for those affected, and honour the memory of individuals who lost their lives while battling thalassemia.
This year’s theme is “Hidden no more: Finding the undiagnosed. Supporting the unseen”, focusing on identifying undiagnosed cases and ensuring affected individuals receive the support they need.