According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in every 14 person in Bangladesh carries Thalassemia. In addition, if two carriers get married then their child faces 25 percent risk of getting Thalassemia. Doctors have said that everyone should get their blood tested to find if they have Thalassemia or not.
Specialists have said that if blood is tested before marriage then this disease can be controlled. Recently, high court issued a ruling to have tests done before marriage. As per WHO, 7 percent people in Bangladesh have Thalassemia with the current number standing over 11 million.
In addition, every year, 7000 children are born with the disease.
Doctors have said that screening should be done before marriage.
In Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Palestine, blood test before marriage is mandatory.
In Iran, people call off marriages if Thalassemia is detected. And those who marry with the condition, take medical tests before taking a child.
Cancer specialist, Dr. Habibullah Talukdar, told Bangla Tribune: “Awareness has to be created before marriage and everyone should carry out a blood test to determine if they have the condition or not.”
DG of the health department, Professor Abul Kalam Azad, says: “A system has to be started under which the Qazi will ascertain if two persons getting married have had their blood tests or not.”
However, the test is expensive and such facilities will be provided next year, added Professor Azad.
There are two types of Thalassemia – major and minor. In case of major, a patient has to take blood every three to four months. For taking blood iron level rises, for which medication has to be taken; which is also costly.”
A person with the condition never recovers and in our country, regular treatment is given; overseas there’s curable treatment, said the doctor.
Dr. Abdullah says: “Some families have 2/3 Thalassemia patients and they incur huge medical bills; however, there are some institutions which offer free medication.”