Why in the News?

• On World Thalassemia Day, West Bengal experts expressed concern over the State’s high Thalassemia prevalence, which exceeds the national average.

Key Points:

World Thalassemia Day:

⇒ It is observed every year on 8th May as a global effort for prevention, awareness and early diagnosis for inherited blood disorder disease Thalassemia.

⇒ The theme for 2025 is "Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients".

National Burden and High-Risk Communities:

⇒ According to the 2016 National Health Mission report, 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born annually in India.

⇒ Communities with higher carrier rates include Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis.

Alarming Prevalence in West Bengal:

⇒ According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the State’s population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4% (2011 Census data).

West Bengal’s Thalassemia burden is worsened by:

• Low public awareness Intra-community marriages Insufficient early screening

⇒ The State has over 18,000 transfusion-dependent patients and a 2.5% patient positivity rate, as per the State Health Department.

State Efforts:

⇒ West Bengal has established 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across districts.

⇒ These TCUs focus on first-trimester pregnancy screening and screening among adolescents to prevent future transmission.

Legal and Social Challenges:

⇒ There is no national law preventing marriages between Thalassemia carriers.

⇒ Health officials identify intra-community marriages as a key social challenge and emphasize early screening and awareness to prevent Thalassemia in children.

The Importance of Parental Screening:

⇒ Experts recommend pre-marital or pre-conception screening for both partners to prevent the condition.

⇒ Without regular care and transfusions, life expectancy may not exceed 30 years for Thalassemia patients.

⇒ Early detection, informed parenting, and ongoing care can significantly improve quality of life and outcomes.