HKU students aid thalassemia patients in Guangxiraise awareness with virtual paper quilling art exhibition

Six students from Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently participated in a service trip organised by Medical Outreachers to Baise, Guangxi to promote awareness of thalassemia and importance of blood donation among local communities.

Thalassemia is a hereditary disease caused by reduced production of normal hemoglobins due to gene mutations. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of condition, and may include anaemia, fatigue, delayed puberty, and irregular facial structures. Individuals with severe beta-thalassemia, also known as transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT), require lifelong blood transfusions every two to five weeks to alleviate symptoms and sustain life. Studies show that appropriately 25% of Guangxi population carries thalassemia genes, increasing the likelihood of identifying individuals with TDT. However, due to severe strain on provincial blood supply, less than 27% of thalassemia patients in Guangxi receive timely and regular blood transfusions.

During their seven-day trip, HKU students organised a diverse range of healthcare activities, including health checks and education camps for over 300 local residents. They educated the community on the medical implications of thalassemia, introduced available treatments, and provided guidance on addressing the psychological burden associated with the disease. Additionally, they visited 20 children with thalassemia and their families, offering accurate information on blood transfusions, medication usage, and dietary choices to help alleviate symptoms. On the final day, students participated in voluntary blood donation drive to replenish the local blood supply and raise public awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Through the trip, HKU students gained valuable insights into the lack of thalassemia awareness in rural areas and the challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Reflecting on her experience, Gladys Lee (a first-year HKU medical student) shared, “Many families affected by Thalassemia struggle with financial hardships, blood shortages, and emotional distress. They often endure long journeys to hospitals only to find no blood available for transfusion.” She recounted a touching moment when she introduced a self-soothing technique, the "butterfly hug," to a teenage thalassemia patient to help ease his anxiety. This experience highlighted to her the importance of compassion alongside clinical expertise, and the need to provide psychological support and empathy to patients in addition to medical treatment.

Laurence Tang, Head of Campus Life at HKU, commended the students for their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and travel to remote areas in mainland China to support rural communities and care for neglected patients. He noted that this service-learning trip not only contributed to students' personal growth but also enhanced their empathy, sense of social responsibility, and civic awareness.

To further raise awareness about thalassemia and the importance of voluntary blood donation, the student team has curated a virtual exhibition showcasing paper quilling artworks created by thalassemia patients. Among the featured artists is Yan Li, who dedicates much of her time to creating paper quilling art in order to fund her chelation pills and injections, which cost 6,000-7,000 RMB per month. Yan Li expressed her gratitude, stating, "Despite living with this blood disorder, I have found support from the volunteers. They listened to my struggles and provided me with the strength and courage to face the challenges in my life."

Martin Lau, the student coordinator of the exhibition and a first-year HKU medical student, emphasised that the exhibition encapsulates the beauty of life through art. He hopes that this virtual exhibition, transcending geographical barriers, will raise awareness about the realities faced by thalassemia patients, showcase their resilience, and inspire hope in others.

For details about the exhibition, please visit: https://www.medicaloutreachers.org/thalassemiavirtualexhibition

Original Link: Click Here