Tomorrow (June 28th) is International PKU Day! Did you know about it? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, inherited metabolic condition. It affects roughly 1 in 10,000 people in the UK.
Maly IT’s Connection to PKU
At Maly IT, we celebrate this day and raise awareness. The son of one of our team members received a PKU diagnosis following the newborn screening when he was just 9 days old. Luckily, he began nutritional therapy right away. Today, he is a happy, thriving toddler. Without this treatment, however, he would have faced serious developmental delays. He also might have had brain damage, behavioral problems, and even seizures.
Daily Challenges and Awareness Efforts
The condition is treatable. Nevertheless, individuals with PKU face many daily difficulties. These challenges will continue throughout their lives. The European Society for Phenylketonuria and Allied Disorders Treated as Phenylketonuria (ESPKU) is running its #shadesofpku campaign. This campaign highlights various aspects of PKU. Including access to newborn screening, treatment and support for parents and siblings of those with PKU.
The Origins of International PKU Day
June 28th was chosen for PKU Day for a few reasons. It falls nicely in the middle of the year. Furthermore, it marks the birthdays of two PKU pioneers. Robert Guthrie (1916-1995) developed the newborn screening test. Horst Bickel (1918-2000) pioneered PKU treatment.
How You Can Help
Please share our post. You can also view some of the #shadesofpku campaign materials. Reading about PKU will help raise awareness of this rare condition.
#phenylketonuria #pku #pkuawareness #IPKUDAY2025 #shadesofpku