Celebrating Thalassemia Day

Among the diseases that are silently affecting millions of Vietnamese people, Thalassemia is one of the dangerous diseases, but it has received little attention.

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that causes the body to not produce enough hemoglobin - an important component of red blood cells - leading to chronic anemia. People with severe disease must have regular blood transfusions for life and expensive treatment. The worrying thing is that the disease cannot be completely cured, it can only be prevented through screening, genetic counseling before marriage and reproduction. This is a genetic disease that is passed from parents to children, severely affecting the quality of life of the patient. According to statistics, Vietnam currently has about 13 million people carrying the thalassemia gene, of which every year thousands of children are born with severe disease.

The impact of thalassemia does not stop at the medical aspect. Families with children with the disease have to bear financial and psychological burdens, and even lose the opportunity to develop normally. Society has to spend a lot of resources on treatment, care and support for patients, affecting the quality of the population and future labor efficiency. However, the positive thing is that thalassemia is completely preventable. Measures such as: Propagating to raise awareness of the disease in the community; widely implementing pre-marital and prenatal screening and genetic testing programs; genetic counseling for high-risk couples; supporting patients with health insurance and access to quality medical services... are necessary and urgent steps.

Communication on Thalassemia prevention (Photo: HC)

To do that, the whole system needs to participate: From the State with strong and synchronous policies; the health sector with its professional role and community guidance; social organizations, schools, each citizen, especially young people, who carry the future of the country. Each person should become an active propagandist, proactively learn, have health check-ups before marriage, and spread the message of living responsibly to future generations.

Responding to World Thalassemia Day (May 8) in 2025, with the theme "Joining hands to prevent thalassemia for public health and the future of the country", the Department of Health organized activities: Home visit consultation, small group propaganda; implementing a special page and column on Thalassemia, hanging propaganda banners; posting disease information on district and commune radio systems...

Along with that, promote communication andeducation to raise awareness and change the behavior of people, families and communities in participating in counseling and health check-ups before marriage; screening, diagnosis and early treatment of prenatal and neonatal diseases. Propagate and provide information on diseases caused by chromosomal genetic disorders, congenital diseases, causes of diseases and solutions... through providing documents and direct communication in the community and schools; counseling and health check-ups before marriage. Propagate and educate about the current situation, causes and consequences of early marriage, consanguineous marriage...

Prenatal counseling, screening, and newborn screening are not only personal matters of the family, but also a long-term step for the population sector and the whole society. Thereby, we can push back congenital hemolytic anemia, for the health of the community, for the future of the race, and minimize the number of people with disabilities caused by congenital diseases; and improve the quality of the population. Resolution 21-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee on population work in the new situation has emphasized the goal: By 2030, 70% of pregnant women will be screened for at least 4 of the most common congenital diseases; 90% of newborns will be screened for at least 5 of the most common congenital diseases.

Currently, the Department of Health has implemented a program to expand screening, diagnosis and treatment of some prenatal and neonatal diseases and disabilities, ensuring to meet the needs of the people, providing services for pregnant women and newborns. At the district level, adolescents/young adults and pregnant women can go to local health centers for consultation and pre-marital health check-ups; screening and early detection of abnormalities or fetal malformations. Joining hands to prevent thalassemia is joining hands to protect public health, preserve the race and build a sustainable society. Today's actions are the foundation for a healthier and better tomorrow.

Nguyen Hong Nam

(Head of Population and Children Department, Department of Health)

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/huong-ung-ngay-thalassemia-a420361.html