HYDERABAD: Children suffering from thalassaemia staged a walk along with their parents outside the local press club on Thursday to create awareness among people about rising number of thalassaemia patients in the country.

The walk was organised by Fatimid Foundation led by its local trustee Dr Faroog Memon. Haematologist Dr Khalid Yousuf also participated in it. Young thalassaemia patients were carrying small placards inscribed with messages in favour of blood donations for such patients.

Dr Yousuf said thalassaemia was a hereditary disease in which children needed fresh blood from donors after short intervals for their entire life because their bodies were unable to produce haemoglobin, a vital part of blood to remain alive and healthy.

He said the diseased caused due to blood disorder involving red blood cells that failed to produce oxygenasperbodyneed.

He said families were unaware of this genetic disorder.

He said marriages in one and the same family should be avoided or at least blood screening should be done for confirmation of thalassaemia or otherwise.