Recent statistics reveal an alarming number of thalassemia carriers in the Maldives.
According to Elsevier, the Netherlands originated journal of science and technology, a total of 16 percent out of the 30 percent of Maldivians tested in 2020 were confirmed beta thalassemia carriers.
Meanwhile, renowned physician Dr. Mohamed Ali tweeted while referring to the information from Elsevier, that the population percentile who are thalassemia carriers in the Maldives was higher in number in comparison to some of the most densely populated countries such as India or Brazil.
From India only 10 percent of the tested population were thalassemia carriers and from Brazil only 6 percent.
Statistics showed that the presence of beta thalassemia carriers were most highest in the atolls of Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani, Noonu, Lhaviyani and Laamu with 17 to 24 percent of the tested population living in said atolls.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Umar, the Associate Specialist in Pediatric at the Maldives Blood Service said that though the percentile of the thalassemia carriers have been maintained at same levels, carriers by number have been increasing in terms of growing population of the country.
He further noted on the challenges faced by the Maldivian health sector in either treating or controlling thalassemia.
Although the legislation to control thalassemia has existed for years, which require parents to have their children tested for thalassemia once they turn eighteen of age, many have not adhered to the practice.
Meanwhile, ascertaining the thalassemic nature of the child during pregnancy is still not possible in Maldives and requires parents to fly abroad for relevant testing.
Moreover, Dr. Umar had highlighted on the importance of community support to thalassemia patients in terms of procuring blood.
He also stressed on the importance of ensuring accessibility to blood needed by thalassemia patients.
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