Thalassaemia must be tackled

Thalassaemia is one of the most serious genetic disorders faced by people in the UAE — a fact that is supported by the increase in the number of cases. According to the Ministry of Health, thalassaemia affects one in 12 people in the country. Dr Mohammad Naveed, director of the UAE Genetic Disease Association, said that it is hoped that by 2012, all children born in the country will be free of the disorder.

Making pre-marital screening mandatory has been one means with which the concerned authorities are trying to tackle the problem. There is also a focus now on screening university students across the country, said Dr Naveed. Yet, generally speaking, the key to success with health campaigns is effectively reaching out to the public. It is critical that people understand how serious the disorder is and the best means of avoiding it.