Biotechnology and Microbiology students from the School of Life Sciences (SLS) at IUB, with the assistance of the school and in collaboration with ideSHi (Institute for Developing Science and Health), organised a campus-wide free thalassemia screening camp on July 10, 2019. The screening programme was sponsored by Prof. Dr. Syed Saleheen Qadri of idesHi and The Rotary Club of Dhaka North. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cell function. The often-devastating condition is passed down as a recessive trait from parent to offspring, and knowing whether one is a carrier can help individuals make informed decisions about their future.

It was a day-long campaign, but the full capacity of around 200 people were screened within four hours. This included faculty members, students, and administrative staff, along with housekeeper and guards. The students assisted the screening camp as well as spread awareness about thalassemia by means of flyers and visits throughout the day. Prof. Dr. Qadri also conducted a seminar where he spoke in depth about how thalassemia is passed down to the future generation, how to prevent that from happening, and what actions one can take as a carrier.