‘Detection the only option’

"When my son was born, we were overwhelmed with joy. Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived," said, Md Abidur Rahman, father of Abrar Sadaf, who was diagnosed with Thalassemia soon after he was born.

"He was very pale, irritated and weak all the time. Seeing his abnormally pale skin, we went for the test and learnt that my son was born with Thalassemia," said Rahman.

Abidur and many parents like him were present in an event yesterday titled "Preventing Thalassemia: Significance of detecting career in formulating national plan", organised by Bangladesh Thalassemia Samity and Hematocare at Dhaka's Institution of Diploma Engineers commemorating World Thalassemia Day on May 8.

Due to genetic mutation, a Thalassemia patient starts to produce an abnormal amount of haemoglobin which gets destroyed very quickly.

A Thalassemia patient's haemoglobin count is abnormally low, which can be fatal unless the patient is supplied with fresh haemoglobin-rich blood from a healthy donor, according to speakers.

For instance, Abidur said Abrar has to go through blood transfusions frequently to keep his vital organs functioning. He has to continue this process for the rest of his life.

Speakers said at least 3 to 5 percent of Bangladesh's population are suffering from Thalassemia, with an expected life span of fewer than 30 years.

In many cases, children die within the first 15 years. Every year, 8,000 to 15,000 children are born with Thalassemia.

Professor Dr MA Khan, advisor of Bangladesh Thalassemia Samity, said, "At least 10-12 percent of the Bangladeshis carry the gene causing Thalassemia. If both parents are carriers of this gene, the probability of giving birth to a child with Thalassemia is 75 percent."

Dr ABM Abdullah, professor emeritus of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and personal physician of the prime minister, said, "Actually, there is no known treatment for Thalassemia. We do not have any alternative to preventing this disease. Detection of the carriers before marriage is the most effective way to prevent Thalassemia."

ICT Minister Mustafa Jabbar was chief guest at the event, while Md Ebadul Karim MP, managing director of Beacon Pharmaceuticals, was the special guest. Md Enamul Haque, additional secretary, health ministry, and Syed Didar Bakht, advisor of Bangladesh Thalassemia Samity, were present at the event.