Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterised by less oxygen-carrying protein (haemoglobin) and fewer red blood cells in the body than normal.

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, paleness and slow growth.

Thalassemias are genetic disorders inherited from a person’s parents

India has the highest number of thalassaemia majors and carriers (or those who are asymptomatic).

It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 thalassaemia majors in the country or an average prevalence rate of 3-4% carriers in the general population.

Each year, there are 10,000 children born with thalassaemia major.

Patients require lifelong blood transfusion, iron chelation therapies and other treatment

There is still no cure other than a bone marrow transplant.

As this has to be done in early childhood, it is not a workable cure as yet for adults.

Thalassaemia causes a significant economic burden on the country due to rising health care and drug expenses.

Given the genetic nature of the disease, it is in India’s best interests to focus on prevention and a cure