IN conjunction with World Thalassaemia Day, Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad (Hibiscus) launched the thalassaemia NowYouSeeMe 2.0 programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Education (MoE) on May 8.
Thalassaemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of haemoglobin.
“Hibiscus Petroleum, which is in crude oil and natural gas exploration and production, also focuses on sustainable development that encompasses various economic, environmental and social aspects, including health,” said Hibiscus Petroleum Chairman Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain.
“Hibiscus will continue to support smart collaboration with MoH and MoE to combat thalassaemia disease in the hope that the birth rate of thalassaemia babies can be lowered in line with government projections.”
The NowYouSeeMe 2.0 programme aims to raise awareness and improve health literacy among Malaysians about the causes, symptoms, effects, and treatments for thalassemia.
Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said: “Thalassemia is not a foreign disease. However, awareness of this disease still needs to be increased, especially among school children.
“The success of the thalassaemia awareness campaign last year was a catalyst for the programme’s continuation this year.”
This year’s NowYouSEEMe 2.0 thalassaemia awareness campaign will involve 70 schools and run from June 1 to Sept 30, spreading awareness across social media platforms.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin commended the smart collaboration between Hibiscus and the MoE. “Thalassaemia awareness campaign NowYouSEEMe 2.0 continues to produce more health ambassadors among school teens.
“Let’s work together with the global community to improve thalassaemia knowledge,” he said.
