Breaking the Myths: What You Should Know About Thalassemia and Hemophilia

In inherited blood disorders, such as thalassemia and hemophilia, misinformation and fear are often more destructive than the disease entities themselves. For decades, the Fatimid Foundation has provided blood disorder awareness free of cost to many thousands with these conditions.

In this article, we attempt to debunk some of the most prevailing myths to enable families, patients, and the community at large to understand realities for better decision-making.

Common Myths About Thalassemia

Myth 1: “Thalassemia is a contagious disease”.

Reality: Thalassemia is not contagious. It is a genetic blood disorder passed down from parents to their children via genes.

Unlike infections, you cannot "catch" it from someone.

Myth 2: “If someone only has mild thalassemia (a carrier), they will never face serious health issues.”

Reality: Being a carrier usually means you have no or mild symptoms, yet it is very important. Two carriers can have a child with thalassemia major, which is a life-threatening form that requires regular blood transfusions.

Myth 3: "Iron overload due to blood transfusions is the only risk for Thalassemia patients.

Reality: While iron overload is a major concern, as repeated transfusions tend to build up iron, patients also risk infection in case the blood being transfused is not appropriately screened, a concern which Fatimid monitors very closely.

Common Myths About Hemophilia

Myth 1: “Hemophilia only affects boys.”

Reality: The most common type of hemophilia relates to the X chromosome, and thus is much more common in males, though even female carriers may bleed more than normal and sometimes have symptoms, especially after surgery or delivery of a baby.

Myth 2: “People with hemophilia shouldn’t lead active lives.”

Reality: Many people with hemophilia can lead active lives if properly taken care of. Fatimid Foundation provides treatment, follow-up care, safe access to blood products, and blood disorder awareness in order for such patients to enjoy life while managing their condition.

Why Misinformation Is a Barrier to Care?

• Shame and fear go hand in hand; false beliefs fuel judgment. Sometimes relatives keep quiet about illness, so treatment gets held back.

• Lots of couples skip tests before tying the knot - mainly because they just don't know enough. Even so, genetic advice plus checkups ahead of marriage can seriously help stop thalassemia from spreading.

• Underfunded Support: When people don’t fully understand these blood disorders, they’re less likely to push for funding or support from governments and donors.

How Fatimid Foundation Helps - Beyond Transfusions 

• Comprehensive Care: Fatimid provides free transfusions, safe blood products, and expert hematological services to thalassemia and hemophilia patients. 

• Awareness & Prevention: The backbone of Fatimid's mission is education and blood disorder awareness. They promote carrier screening and genetic counseling as a means of preventing new cases from occurring. 

• Blood Donation Drives: The foundation arranges blood drives to ensure access to safe, screened blood, saving innumerable lives. 

• Expansion & Infrastructure: Fatimid is building advanced hematological centers to reach underserved regions.

FAQs

Q1: Is thalassemia or hemophilia curable? 

Currently, there is no single universal "cure" for everyone, but both conditions can be managed very effectively. Thalassemia major patients are dependent on regular blood transfusions and iron chelation, while hemophilia patients use clotting factor replacement therapies.

Q2: Why is carrier screening so important in Pakistan? 

As many of the people in Pakistan are carriers of thalassemia genes, genetic screening, especially before marriage, can prevent the birth of children with severe thalassemia

Conclusion 

Myths of thalassemia and hemophilia are often surrounded by fear, stigma, and delay in treatment, but knowledge changes everything. At Fatimid Foundation, we’re committed not just to treating blood disorders but also to educating communities, promoting preventive screening, and providing compassionate care. By clearing up myths, getting help from clinics, while pushing people to give blood, we aim for a Pakistan where nobody dies just from confusion. Join hands - knowing more, caring deeply, doing something - that’s how we shift the story on thalassemia and hemophilia.