Children with thalassaemia enjoy free rides in Capital

Islamabad: The minor thalassaemic patients enjoyed themselves at the Centaurus Mall’s Fun City. The visit was organised by the Thalassaemia Awareness and Prevention in Pakistan, an NGO, with the help of the indoor amusement centre.

Born with thalassaemia major, a life-threatening anaemia requiring regular blood transfusions, the children had a good time at rides, arcade games, and soft play facility.

TAPP president Ayesha Abid told 'The News' that the event was planned to amuse the children living with thalassaemia. She thanked the Fun City management for helping the children cheer up.

Ayesha regretted that the incidence of life-threatening thalassaemia was on the rise in Pakistan due to lack of public awareness. She said thalassaemia was a hereditary condition, which affected the red blood cells and thus, causing their absolute or virtual deficiency in the body and making patients depend on transfusion for the rest of life.

"Around 10 million people in our country are thalassaemia carriers. This is a very alarming situation for which our ignorance and lack of awareness are to blame," she said. The TAPP president said thalassaemia caused its minor sufferers’ continuous pain and lots of physical and psychological problems and therefore, fun-related activities helped ease their misery and bring them to life.

"If we get ourselves tested for Thalassaemia gene and avoid marriage between two carriers, then thalassaemia-related complications and problems will be completely prevented," she said.

Fun City manager Hani Mustafa welcomed the little visitors and said the organisation held the event under its 'One Good Heart Corporate Social Responsibility programme'. "Our team ensured that the children get the best possible entertainment at the Fun City to enjoy and bring smiles to their brave faces. We will continue working with the TAPP to cheer up the little patients and spreading awareness of this disease," he said.