Trek to the ninth highest peak to help Pakistan's thalassaemia children

Dubai: Residents in the UAE can participate in a unique awareness campaign in support of children suffering from thalassaemia a trek to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world.

The 10-day 'Trek2Play' offers a range of sporting activities to participants at the height of 13,000ft above sea level at Nanga Parbat in the Karakorum range, north Pakistan.

Some thalassaemia patients, including two from the UAE will join them for the trek starting July 21.

Apart from trekking, pitching tents and lighting campfires, participants will enjoy sporting activities such as football and polo. Proceeds from the walk will go to the Thalassaemia Society of Pakistan, which is organising the walk, for free treatment for children. Dr Yasmin Rashid, general secretary of the society said they have arranged the walk every year since 2001.

"This is the first time that we are inviting people from abroad to join us because it is worldwide issue," she said. "It is a thrilling expedition for a noble cause."

She said participation of a group from the UAE would be the special feature of this year's summer awareness campaign. A team of Aga Khan Scouts and Guides Group in the UAE have already signed up for the walk.

"Participation is open to all nationalities. We hope for a group of about 50 people from the UAE because we have limited arrangements," said Faisal Khilji from Risal Services, coordinator for the walk in the UAE. It will cost Dh6,000 per head, including air-tickets, accommodation, meals and transport. The last date of registration is June 20.

Dr Yasmin also met some officials at the Ministry of Health in Dubai to discuss issues related to thalassaemia and possible interaction with the organisations concerned in the UAE.

"The main idea behind this unique walk is to raise awareness among people about this inherited disease which can be avoided, mainly through education," she said.

Dr Yasmin, who is a pioneer in the field of pre-natal diagnosis in Pakistan, said a couple where both have thalassaemia minor can have babies with thalassaemia major in 25 per cent cases, thalassaemia minor in 50 per cent of the cases while normal deliveries stand at 25 per cent.

Her organisation offers free treatment to more than 2,000 children and has also offered pre-natal diagnosis facility to more than 2,000 couples.