Thalassemia

WHY IN NEWS?
Recently, Union Government will planned to launch a National Mission to control Thalassemia, a genetically transmitted blood disorder, which begin with a country wide screening process.

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?
• Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body produces an abnormal form of hemoglobin which results in excessive destruction of red blood cells and further leads to Anemia.

TYPES OF THALASSEMIA:
01. Alpha Thalassemia – It is the result of changes in the Alpha Globin component of Hemoglobin.
02. Beta Thalassemia – It is the result of changes in the Beta Globin component of hemoglobin.

CAUSES OF THALASSEMIA:
• Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused, when the body does not make enough protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells.
• A persons who inherits a Thalassemia Gene or Genes from one parent and normal genes from the other parent is a carrier.

PREVENTION OF THALASSEMIA:
• Parent genetic test for the presence of Thalassemia gene.
• Prenatal Screening
• Pre - implantation Genetic Diagnosis
• Provision of public Awareness and education about thalassemia.

WORLD THALASEMMIA DAY 2023 – Commemorated every year on 8TH MAY
THEME: “Be Aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap”.