Himalaya has extended support to Sankalp India Foundation (SIF) to make treatment accessible to underprivileged children suffering from thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder. The DNA mutations in thalassemia reduce the number and ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen which leads to symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. A bone marrow transplant is the only permanent cure. Every year, more than 10,000 children are born with this disorder in India. The cost of treatment is extremely high in India, ranging up to USD 20,000 (INR 15 Lakh), making it inaccessible for the poor

Care for Health is one of Himalaya’s core business philosophies. It defines the way we think and inspires our actions. Through our commitment to address community health care challenges, we are happy to extend our support to SIF to make systematic care and management of thalassemia accessible. Through this partnership, we will make a positive difference in the lives of children and exemplify our vision to spread happiness by empowering and enabling communities to lead happier lives.

The identified patients will be offered a permanent curative option, giving them a new lease on life. They will undergo treatment at the at BMJH-Sankalp Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and BMT, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital in Bengaluru.

SIF is a certified nonprofit organization focused on voluntary blood donation, disaster relief, and the prevention, management, and cure of thalassemia. So far, the organization has extended support to more than 2,000 children in the care and management of thalassemia.