New Delhi: timely detection And it can be curbed by prevention at the right time. disease burden Regarding thalassemia, the union said Health Secretary Apoorva Chandra on the occasion of International Thalassemia Day.

was speaking at an event organized by Union Health Ministry “Timely detection and prevention is the most effective strategy to deal with thalassemia and only timely prevention can reduce the burden of this disease,” he said.

“There are around one lakh thalassemia patients in the country, with around 10,000 new cases reported every year.” Chandra added.

highlight the great need for comprehensive awareness On this subject he said, “Many people are still unaware of this disease and how it can be prevented.” It is imperative that all stakeholders in the region collaborate in a nationwide campaign to raise awareness on thalassemia.”

To tackle the lack of awareness on this topic, he launched a video made in collaboration with Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP) and Thalassemia India will promote effective prevention methods and optimal treatment of thalassemia.

To tackle this disorder at an early age, the Health Secretary advocated inclusion of mandatory thalassemia testing in the existing Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programs under NHM.National Health Mission, He said some states have included it in their public health programs and activities; Other states will be urged to include and expand screening and testing for thalassemia.

Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal.