Avoid Cousin Marriages To Avert Thalassemia, Urged Experts

News Desk

Islamabad: It is necessary for families with a history of thalassemia to screen their children before marriage to help control the spread of the disease in Pakistan, where at present there are an estimated 5000 infants born with this disease annually, said Thalassemia Expert Prof Hassan Abbas Zaheer.

Health experts on World Thalassemia Day emphasised the need for awareness efforts to lower the prevalence of this genetic blood disorder and urged against cousin marriages, which are a major factor in the spread of the disease in the country.

The main objective of celebrating International Thalassemia Day is to encourage prevention, management, and treatment of the disease in a patient-centered manner by bringing it to the attention of the general public, patient associations, public authorities, and healthcare professionals.

Dr Hassan Abbas said that thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and called upon philanthropists to play an active role in providing relief to the patients, adding that “we should stand together as a nation to fight this disease for a healthier future for our country.”

Talking about the control of thalassemia, he stated that while it is a difficult task, it can easily be achieved with the assistance of prenatal diagnosis and prevention programmes.

“No doubt, 100 percent prevention is quite possible. For this, screening the blood of both partners should be ensured so that two thalassemia minors should not get married,” Prof Zaheer mentioned. “Treatment of thalassemia is difficult and the cost is very high,” Thalassemia Expert added.

“Consequently, it is very important to prevent the birth of sick babies, as until 2025 the rate of thalassemia patients will increase if exciting laws are not implemented properly,” he added. Health Expert called for reducing the prices of life-saving drugs for thalassemia patients.

“As a result, it is crucial to prevent the birth of sick babies because, if exciting laws are not properly implemented, the rate of thalassemia patients will rise until 2025,” Dr Hassan further stated.

Expert Dr Abbas demanded that the cost of life-saving drugs for people with thalassemia be reduced.