Marking International Thalassemia Day
JAZAN, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of International Thalassemia Day, Sheryan Society, a prominent Hematology Patient Advisory Group based in Jazan, in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has launched a heartfelt public awareness initiative to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells.
As part of the initiative, a symbolic red empty chair was placed at Jazan University’s Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences and at Al Rashid Mall in Jazan. The installation aimed to raise public awareness of thalassemia and foster greater understanding of the condition. A message attached to the chair read:
“This chair belongs to a thalassemia patient. He couldn’t be here today because he’s receiving a blood transfusion. Sadly, he has to miss out on moments like this to undergo treatment.” A QR code was also placed on the chair, inviting passersby to scan and learn more about the disease, its impact, and how early diagnosis and awareness can contribute to prevention and better care.
Khaled Dubaiyan Al Dubaiyan, CEO of the Sheryan Society in Jazan, commented: “The Red Chair initiative is a powerful step toward raising awareness about thalassemia. By leveraging International Thalassemia Day, we aim to foster empathy and deeper understanding for those living with this condition. It is through efforts like this that we can highlight the daily struggles of patients and inspire more informed and compassionate community responses. This campaign reflects Sheryan’s core mission: to advocate for hematology patients, improve their quality of life, and support prevention through education. By symbolizing patients’ absence due to ongoing treatments, we aim to increase visibility for thalassemia and build a healthier future.”
Osama Braiwish, General Manager at Bristol Myers Squibb for Saudi Arabia and Gulf Countries added:
“At Bristol Myers Squibb, patients are our North Star, they are at the centre of everything we do. With this purpose in mind, we believe it is essential to collaborate with organizations like Sheryan to drive awareness and promote meaningful change.
Awareness is the first step toward action, and through this initiative, we aim to spark important conversations, foster empathy, and encourage early screening and education about inherited diseases like thalassemia.”
Thalassemia continues to pose a significant hereditary health challenge in the region. This initiative seeks to increase public knowledge, encourage early screening, and promote proactive health choices—key steps toward reducing the prevalence of the disease and supporting patients and their families in the long-run.
About Sheryan Society
Sheryan Society is a leading hematology patient advisory group dedicated to improving the lives of patients with blood disorders in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The society advocates for enhanced patient care, promotes awareness through education, and facilitates access to essential medical services and support. By collaborating with healthcare institutions, governmental agencies, and industry leaders, Sheryan Society aims to create sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by individuals with hematology conditions, thereby enhancing their quality of life and fostering a supportive community environment.
For more information, please visit: https://www.sheryan.sa/ Follow Sheryan Society on Twitter: @sheryanorg | Instagram: @sheryanorg
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading global biopharma company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases in areas including oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular and neuroscience. Our employees work every day to transform patients’ lives through science.
For more information, please visit: www.bms.com
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2686171/Empty_Chair_Activation.jpg
