With a bold vision for a healthier future, the Zero Thalassaemia Foundation has been launched under the leadership of Dr. Ramendu Homchowdhury, District Governor (2025-26) elect for Rotary District 3291. The initiative aims to eradicate Thalassaemia in India by raising awareness, strengthening partnerships, and facilitating widespread screening opportunities. The Foundation is committed to uniting various organizations and stakeholders in a concerted effort to eliminate this genetic disorder.
The initiative was officially unveiled on February 23, 2025, a significant date marking Rotary International’s 120th birthday. The unveiling of the Foundation’s logo on this day reinforced the commitment of the Rotary movement toward building a healthier society, aligning with its core mission of disease prevention and control.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR AWARENESS AND SCREENING
Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects thousands of lives across India each year. Despite advances in medical science, the prevalence of Thalassaemia remains high due to a lack of awareness and insufficient screening measures.
The Zero Thalassaemia Foundation will focus on:
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating individuals, communities, and institutions about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Thalassaemia.
• Screening & Early Detection: Promoting blood tests, especially for couples planning to start a family, to identify carrier status early.
• Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaborating with government bodies, medical institutions, NGOs, and corporate entities to amplify the impact of screening and awareness programs.
• Policy Advocacy: Working with policymakers to ensure Thalassaemia prevention and management become national healthcare priorities.
EXPERT INSIGHTS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Speaking about the Foundation’s mission, Dr. Ramendu Homchowdhury emphasized the critical need for collective action.
“Thalassaemia is a preventable disease, yet it continues to claim lives due to a lack of awareness and timely screening. Our goal with the Zero Thalassaemia Foundation is to ensure that no child is born with this disorder in the future. The key lies in education, early detection, and collaboration. This initiative is not just for healthcare professionals—it’s a call for every individual, organization, and policymaker to join hands and work towards a Thalassaemia-free India.”
The Foundation invites medical professionals, educators, corporate entities, and social workers to participate in this mission. Schools and universities will be involved to spread awareness among young adults, who play a crucial role in the prevention of the disorder.
YOUR ROLE IN CREATING A THALASSAEMIA-FREE FUTURE
By pledging your support to Zero Thalassaemia, you can contribute to a healthier future for the next generation. Screening, awareness, and advocacy are simple yet powerful steps that can save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.
As a supporter of this initiative, I have pledged my full commitment to Zero Thalassaemia, and I urge every individual to join this long-term journey towards a Thalassaemia-free India. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Join the Movement:
📢 Spread awareness – Talk to friends, family, and colleagues.🩸 Get screened – Encourage pre-marital and prenatal Thalassaemia screening.🤝 Support the cause – Partner with the Zero Thalassaemia Foundation in its mission.
This initiative is a collective call to action for a healthier, brighter future. Let’s work together to ensure that Thalassaemia becomes a thing of the past.
