There is an annual increase of 5 to 7 percent in thalassemia cases in Pakistan, with 5,000 new cases emerging each year. Dr. Saqib Ansari revealed this during a seminar held on World Thalassemia Day at Hamdard University.
Dr. Ansari stated that there are over 100,000 registered thalassemia patients in Pakistan, while the average age of patients in Europe is 60 to 70 years, which is higher than in Pakistan. He mentioned that countries like Iran, Italy, Egypt, and Greece have controlled thalassemia, but due to a lack of awareness in Pakistan, the disease is on the rise.
Dr. Ansari mentioned that there are 50 million thalassemia carriers in Pakistan, which is a national tragedy. He suggested avoiding cousin marriages and implementing premarriage screening to address this issue.
Dr. Tabiba Saima Ghias stated that there is no effective treatment for thalassemia, with regular blood transfusions being the only management. She noted that premarriage screening has been made mandatory.
Following the seminar, an awareness walk was organized at Hamdard University, in which faculty and students participated. Participants in the walk carried placards and banners and marched from the main gate to the Bait alHikmah Library.