In partnership with Bangladesh Thalassaemia Hospital (BTH) and the Medicine Club, Grameenphone observed International Thalassaemia Day today.

GP, along with its partners, organized a discussion forum at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the city, to raise awareness on Thalassaemia and provide a platform for discourse on the topic. Simultaneously, GP also organized rallies to raise public awareness throughout the country, as well as set up blood donation camps at 13 state-owned medical colleges.

Thalassaemia is a blood related, genetic disorder inherited by children from parents having the Thalassaemia trait. It has no permanent cure, and the only way the life of a Thalassaemia patient can be prolonged is through blood transfusion at regular intervals, with other necessary medical support services.

Thalassaemia affects about 8% of Bangladesh's population today. That means roughly 11.2 million Bangladeshis are suffering from the condition. Children born with Thalassaemia disease suffer from chronic anemia. As a result, their growth is stunted and without any treatment, they usually die by the age of 5 years. It is estimated that about 5000-6000 children are born with this condition every year in Bangladesh.

With a vision to help towards generating the greater good for the whole society, Grameenphone has made a commitment to the Bangladesh Thalassaemia Hospital (BTH) to periodically organize and conduct blood donation programs for the treatment of the Thalassaemia patients as well as assist BTH in raising necessary public awareness on this deadly disease.

Many eminent medical professionals participated in the discussion, which was presided over by Dr. M.R. Khan, National Professor and Advisor to the Bangladesh Thalassaemia Samity. Health Advisor to the Caretaker Government, Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Dr. A.S.M Motiur Rahman was present as the Chief Guest. Erik Aas, Managing Director and Kafil H.S. Muyeed, Director of New Business Division of Grameenphone were also present at the occasion.

In his speech, Erik Aas, reaffirmed Grameenphone's commitment to BTH, to raise public consciousness regarding the disorder, and continue GP's efforts to organize collection drives, with a special focus on the economically challenged Thalassaemia patients of Bangladesh.

He added, "As a responsible corporate house in Bangladesh, Grameenphone is committed to addressing the needs of the country in its race for development, especially in addressing some of the healthcare needs of our country."

Since the inception of the partnership in December 2006, Grameenphone has organized two blood collection drives in which both Grameenphone employees as well is GP's corporate partners actively participated.

Grameenphone has been lending its support on different healthcare issues for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh, with special focus on the financially constrained.

GP has recently organized two free eye-care camps in rural Bangladesh to provide free eye-care services to the economically disadvantaged individuals of Cox's Bazaar and Bagerhat, both in partnership with Sight Savers International.

Grameenphone has also lent its support to the Government of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization (WHO) in their effort for the eradication of polio from Bangladesh, by sending SMS texts to all GP subscribers as a reminder to take their children under the age of 5 years to get vaccinated, during the last two National Immunization Days (NIDs), held earlier this year.

Information Department
Grameenphone Ltd.
Phone: 9882990