It is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to make low or abnormal haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries the oxygen throughout the body and low levels lead to anemia and a very severe form of it can cause many complications. 

TYPES OF THALESSEMIA 

• Thalassemia Minor
• Thalassemia Major 

Thalassemia Minor or carrier state is the milder form in which only one gene is defected and the defected gene is inherited from one of the carrier parents. There are many people who have thalassemia minor or are carriers and they are only accidently diagnosed since they lead a very normal life.

Thalassemia Major is the severe form of the disease in which both parents being carriers transit the genes to their child. The child if born with full blown thalassemia. These children require repeated blood transfusion from a very young age. This leads to further complications such as:

• Iron overload
• Spleen and liver enlargement
• Bone changes
• Growth retardation
• Exposure to infections like: HIV and Hepatitis C 

DIAGNOSIS

Thalassemia can be diagnosed by very simple tests which are:

• CBC (Complete blood count)
• HB Electrophoresis 

SCREENING 

The need is to create awareness amongst the people about the disorder and its consequences. Early detection of carrier state is also the key. A simple blood test can prevent the disease being transmitted to the next generation. For this purpose, all the medical facilities, from the primary health-care to the tertiary care hospitals have to play a very important role. In Pakistan, an active role is played by the many blood transfusion services but the key is to educate the masses about the disease. It is heart wrenching to see young kids having repeated transfusions and gong through all the suffering. So, spread the word, educate the people and bring about a change.