Group launches campaign for free thalassaemia tests

Dubai: The UAE Genetic Diseases Association is offering free testing for thalassaemia and counselling for both Emiratis and expatriates at various locations this month as the world marks Thalassaemia Day.

The tests cost Dh1,400 in government and private hospitals and local insurance companies do not offer cover for pre-existing genetic diseases, Dr Mohammad Naveed, director of the association, said.

He said one in 16 persons in the country is afflicted with the genetic disorder and there is also a high incidence within the expatriate population from the subcontinent.

Need for screening

If both parents are carriers of the genetic disorder then there is a 25 per cent probability that the child will suffer from severe anaemia.

Additionally, the child will not survive unless he or she undergoes a blood transfusion every month from the age of six months, for the rest of his or her life.

"They also need very expensive medications that cost about Dh30,000 every year," he said.

Pre-natal diagnosis can be done to prevent this if the parents are tested early, the director said. "The child can then lead a normal childhood." Pre-marital testing does not seem to be working very well as the partners usually come for testing a day or two before marriage. "We are educating the youth in colleges about early testing now," he said.

Thalassaemia carriers are normal, healthy individuals but only their children are affected. Some famous names who are carriers include Amitabh Bachchan, the Bollywood star, his son Abhishek Bachchan, tennis star Pete Sampras and footballer Zinedine Zidane.

The association is also spreading its message to the remote areas of Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates where people do not have access to testing facilities.

The awareness campaign will be held at various Emarat and Adnoc fuel stations around Dubai.

Contact the non-profit organistion on 04 3444476 for appointment or log on to www. uaegda.ae for free testing and counselling.