KARACHI: Sada Welfare Foundation, in collaboration with Rotary Club of Karachi New Central, the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), successfully hosted a seminar on Thalassemia Awareness at NICH, earlier today. The seminar was graced by the presence of the Advisor to the Governor of Sindh, Muzammil Ather. Also present were Sada Welfare Foundation trustees, members of the Rotary Club of Karachi New Central, representatives of National Institute of Child Health (NICH) and Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), as well as media personnel. The impactful event served as a powerful platform to spread awareness about thalassemia, its prevention, and support for affected individuals and families.
The seminar began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by welcome addresses by Dr Nasir Saleem Sadal, Executive Director NICH, and Shanaz Ramzi, Charter President of Rotary Club of Karachi New Central and Project Chair of the thalassemia seminar.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Saqib Ansari, Consultant Pediatric Hematologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, who delivered an insightful and deeply informative talk, emphasizing early screening, genetic counseling, and the crucial need for public education and preventive strategies.
The session progressed into a panel discussion featuring prominent healthcare experts: Prof. Zeenat Issani, Prof. Iqbal Memon, Prof. Najma Patel and Prof. Mohsina Noor Ibrahim, followed by a quick Q&A .
Fawzia Siddiqui, Chairperson of Sada Welfare Foundation, addressed the audience next and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting thalassemic children and all those who approach them by providing them free blood, and assisting NICH in meeting their running expenses.
Finally, Muzammil Ather. addressed the gathering, acknowledging the critical nature of the cause, commending all partners for their sustained efforts, and committing financial assistance to the tune of 50 per cent of NICH’s needs.
Gifts were then distributed to the thalassemic children who had been invited specially, followed by shield/ajrak distribution to honorable guests and panelists.
Bringing the session to a close were Dr Talat Rizvi, Thalassemia chair Rotary Club of Karachi New Central, who delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of her club, and Prof Mohsina Ibrahim who gave the Vote of Thanks on behalf of NICH.
