Vietnam Health Agency Calls for Enhancing Info Access to Address Thalassemia
On May 6, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s General Office for Population and Family Planning stated that the theme for 2024 World Thalassemia Day (May 8) is "Enhancing dissemination of information and access to services regarding Thalassemia to contribute to improving the quality of the Vietnamese gene pool."
To alleviate the burden of treatment and care for patients, and effectively prevent congenital Thalassemia, the agency indicated that measures such as pre-marital counseling and health screenings should be undertaken. Additionally, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of prenatal and neonatal conditions are essential.
Vietnam has over ten million carriers of the Thalassemia gene, with more than 20,000 individuals requiring treatment. Each year, approximately 8,000 babies are born with this disease, of which about 2,000 are severe cases requiring lifelong treatment.
The increasing number of Thalassemia patients has overwhelmed hospitals, placing significant strain on blood banks and imposing a heavy societal cost, especially for those in difficult circumstances. It is estimated that Vietnam requires billions of dong annually to treat all Thalassemia patients.