The 2016 National Health Mission Report estimates that there are between 10,000 and 15,000 babies with Thalassexymia specialty each year in India. Image of representation. |Picture source: Getty Images/Istockphoto
On World Thalassemia Day, experts in West Bengal highlighted the alarming prevalence of Seracia in the state, noting that it exceeded the national average. According to West Bengal Health Bureau, 6% to 10% of the state’s population carries the disease, while the national average is 3% to 4%, according to the 2011 census data.
In India, betathalamosis and sickle cell disease remain major health challenges, with thalamic anemia being one of the most common hereditary blood diseases. The disease causes a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the body, which impairs the transport of oxygen in the blood. It is one of the most common monogenic diseases in the world.
The 2016 National Health Mission Report estimates that there are between 10,000 and 15,000 babies with Thalassexymia specialty each year in India. The study also pointed out that certain communities, including Bangladeshi, Sindh, Punjab and Gujarati, exhibited higher carrier frequencies.
In West Bengal, the burden of thalamic anemia is exacerbated by several factors, including lack of awareness and the prevalence of marriage within the community. “There are more than 18,000 blood transfusion-dependent patients in the state. The positive rate of patients is 2.5%,” a source from the West Bengal Health Bureau said. Hindu.
To commemorate World Tarecia Day on May 8, publicity plans were organized throughout the state to educate the public. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research found that many people are still unaware of the genetic patterns of Thalassxia. Inadequate screening and lack of education on the disease are the main causes of its transmission.
West Bengal currently has 36 Thalassycontria control units (TCUs) in various regions and they are actively screening populations, especially in the first three months of pregnancy and among teenagers. The purpose is to ensure that future generations are free of thalassemia.
“We cannot prevent marriages as there is no law in India. The best we can do is raise awareness. If two carriers get married, it is very likely to have children with thalassymia, which is why it is crucial to do screening in the first semester,” a health ministry source said.
To further increase visibility, the clinical lead hematology professor at Narayana Health in Kolkata urges parents to focus on a balanced diet, low iron, timely vaccination and maintenance of appropriate hygiene to avoid infection. Given the severity of the condition, he stressed the importance of mental health support for children with thalamic anemia.
“In areas such high, early screening, informed parenting and consistent care can make significant changes.”
Children with thalamic anemia may not be older than 30 years of age without proper care. Experts stress that screening for both parents before planning a child is critical to preventing the condition and improving long-term outcomes.
publishing – May 8, 2025 at 07:29 pm ist
