The Coat of Arms on Wagga Wagga Civic Centre's façade is lit up purple this week as Global ITP Awareness Week 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of shining a light on Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune blood disorder.
This year's awareness week will be held from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 September, with countries around the world joining together to increase understanding, share patient stories, and support those living with the condition.
ITP is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks platelets – the blood cells that assist clotting. People with ITP often live with a low platelet count, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.
The condition impacts approximately 1 in 10,000 people in Australia, affecting both children and adults. There is no cure, and for most people, no known cause.
The awareness week is important to local Wagga Wagga based ITP patient, Dave Wall.
"I'm very pleased that we're getting support from Council to help the community understand what ITP is and how it affects many people," Mr Wall said.
"ITP is largely unknown, and anything that can help raise people's awareness of it is definitely a good thing."
Beyond the physical symptoms, ITP can affect emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully said awareness weeks like this play an important role in starting conversations, building community understanding, and reducing the stigma faced by those living with rare diseases.
"Awareness weeks highlight the daily challenges faced by people living with conditions that many in the community may not know about," Ms Scully said.
"By helping raise the profile of these campaigns, Council can help connect residents to the right information and support services."
