"More than 1 lakh children have thalassemia": MoHFW Secy Apurva Chandra

International Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to raise awareness about the genetic disorder.

Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare informed that there are more than one lakh children in India have thalassemia and emphasised on the importance of timely detection and prevention as crucial approaches. International Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to prevent disease, raise awareness and promote early detection.

Apurva Chandra told ANI that the National Health Mission (NHM) under Reproductive Child Health (RCH), is monitoring almost 3 crore women who are giving birth to children every year. "There are more than 1 lakh children who have thalassemia, and transfusion is a very difficult process. You require blood fusion and the availability of blood. In rural areas, it is even more difficult so the best way is prevention. We should try to avoid the birth of Thalassemics and take preventive steps. So, NHM (National Health Mission), under our RCH (Reproductive Child Health), we are monitoring almost three crore women who are giving birth to children every year to see whether we can make it a part of that strategy that we test their blood also and come to the conclusion whether the child is likely to be born with Thalassaemia and take some preventive steps," he said.

"I think that is the way forward but otherwise, bone marrow transplant as a cure or transfusion as a care are both very difficult. As I am told, we have already made it a part of. Some of the states had requested it, and some of the states are already doing some testing along with Sickle Cell for Thalassemia this year. If it can be extended to other states, we can try to make it a mandatory part of the RCH," Apurva Chandra added. At the event to mark International Thalassemia Day yesterday, Apurva Chandra, as a significant step in this direction, launched a video made in collaboration with the Indian Association of Paediatrics and Thalassemic India to promote effective prevention methods and optimal treatment for Thalassemia.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less haemoglobin than normal. Celebrated every year, International Thalassemia Day serves as a crucial platform to emphasise the importance of disease prevention, raise awareness, sensitise stakeholders, promote early detection, and ensure quality care for those affected by thalassemia.

This year's theme, "Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All," encapsulates the collective mission towards universal access to comprehensive Thalassemia care. (ANI)

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