On World Thalassemia Day, Dr. Neeraj Raises Alarm: 42 Million Carriers in India, 15,000 Children Born with the Disease Each Year
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 8, 2025
Observing World Thalassemia Day, senior pediatrician and former IMA President Neeraj Kumar sounded a strong alarm over the growing public health threat posed by Thalassemia in India. With over 42 million identified carriers and approximately 15,000 affected children born each year, he emphasized the pressing need for nationwide awareness, early screening, and preventive strategies.
“Thalassemia often goes unnoticed, especially in children who appear pale, fatigued, or undernourished. A simple HbA2 blood test can identify carriers at an early stage—ideally before marriage or in the early phase of pregnancy,” Dr. Neeraj said.
He explained that while treatment involves lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, curative options such as bone marrow transplant and newer gene therapy advancements are also becoming available.
This year’s theme, ‘Together for Thalassaemia’, underscores the collective responsibility of families, healthcare providers, and society in promoting education, screening, and prevention.
“Match horoscopes—but also match blood,” Dr. Neeraj remarked, highlighting the importance of Thalassemia screening as a routine pre-marital and prenatal measure.