About one in ten of all childhood deaths in Pakistan are due to Thalassemia. There are approximately nine million carriers of beta Thalassemia, resulting in more than 5000 transfusion dependent births every year. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by weakening and destruction of red blood cells. One of the possible solutions to combating the health hazard is awareness. Media can help Pakistan reduce the preventable disease by carrier detection and avoiding in-family marriages. It is necessary that blood test of both partners should be done before marriage or when a person reach a marriageable age. This issue should also be included in high school curriculum and I urge educational institution to kick-start the awareness program.
Kiran Fatima
Islamabad