Strengthening communication work to prevent and control Thalassemia - congenital hemolytic disease

Cultural program to communicate about "World Thalassemia Day". Photo: Thanh Chung

On the morning of May 5, the Steering Committee for Population and Development of Nghe An province coordinated with the Steering Committee for Population and Development of Quy Chau district to organize a communication program for World Thalassemia Day (May 8, 1986 - May 8, 2023).

Attending the program were representatives of the Provincial Steering Committee for Population and Development, districts, cities and towns in the province; and a large number of people in Quy Chau district.

Thalassemia (also known as thalassemia)Thalassemia) is the most common genetic hematological disease in the world today. This is one of the diseases that has caused very serious consequences to the race.

Currently, the Provincial Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center is treating hundreds of patients with Thalassemia - congenital hemolytic disease. Photo: Thanh Chung

Currently,Thalassemiais a matter of concern for many countries in the world with more than 7% of the global population carrying the disease gene, more than 200 countries and territories affected by this disease, including Vietnam.

According to statistics from the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Vietnam has about 13 million people, equivalent to 13% of the population, carrying the disease gene. Of which, ethnic minorities in mountainous areas account for 20 - 40%. Each year, about 8,000 children are born with thalassemia (of which about 2,000 children have severe disease, about 800 children cannot be born due to hydrops fetalis and 10 million people carry the thalassemia gene).

Students of Quy Chau High School presented pictures about Thalassemia. Photo: Thanh Chung

The number of severe thalassemia patients requiring regular treatment is over 20,000, of which 44% are children under 15 years old. The estimated average cost of treatment for a severe patient from birth to 30 years old is about 3 billion VND. Each year, more than 2,000 billion VND is needed for all patients to be treated (at least) and about 500,000 units of safe blood are needed.

Currently, the number of patients with thalassemia has been overloading hospitals, creating heavy pressure on blood banks as well as a burden on social costs. In Nghe An, according to a report from the Provincial Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center, the number of patients coming to the Center for treatment is about 350 - 400 people each year.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Tan - Head of the Department of Population and Family Planning of Nghe An province highlighted the importance of preventing and controlling Thalassemia to protect the race. Photo: Thanh Chung

This is only the number of patients detected and being treated at some hospitals. In reality, in the community, mainly in remote, mountainous areas, the number of patients that have not been detected is quite large. That shows that there has not been a specific assessment of the current situation of patients with thalassemia in Nghe An.

Speaking at the program, Mr. Nguyen Ba Tan - Head of the Department of Population and Family Planning of Nghe An province stated: To prevent and control Thalassemia, Party committees and authorities at all levels need to strengthen leadership and direction of departments, branches, organizations and the entire community to promote their roles and responsibilities in repelling thalassemia; coordinate and integrate thalassemia propaganda into the activities of departments, branches and organizations, ensuring the active and maximum participation of all levels and branches.

The Organizing Committee of the program gives gifts to children with thalassemia in Quy Chau district. Photo: Thanh Chung

Medical and population units need to join hands and contribute to detect, care for, and treat patients with the disease; and promote communication about this disease.

Young men and women of childbearing age need to proactively participate in counseling and health check-ups before marriage to make the right choice about marriage; couples of childbearing age need to perform well in testing, screening, diagnosis and treatment of prenatal and neonatal diseases.