Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Nazim has announced that the screening process has commenced for thalassemia children scheduled to undergo bone marrow transplants next year. The remarks were made by the minister in the ceremony held to launch the Thalassemia Prevention and Control Masterplan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr. Nazim highlighted the government's efforts to control and prevent thalassemia during the past ten years. The minister noted that efforts were exerted to increase awareness on thalassemia for school students and screening school students as well. He also stated that blood banks were established in four locations, under these efforts.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Nazim lauded the government's efforts of continuing the provision of opportunities for thalassemia children to receive bone marrow transplant. He revealed that 14 children have already been sent abroad for treatment, and confirmed that the screening process for those scheduled to undergo bone marrow transplant next year, has begun.
The government aims to send a certain number of children to undergo bone marrow transplant annually. The Ministry of Health reported that currently, a total of 40 children who are eligible to undergo the transplant have been listed. Those children have compatible bone marrow donors within their respective families. Currently, there are 944 registered thalassemia patients in the Maldives, with 659 children currently alive.
Families of thalassemia patients often encounter numerous challenges in accessing necessary treatments, such as bone marrow transplants. In response, the government has implemented various measures to alleviate these issues and ensure that services are accessible within the country. As such, the ministry has stated that bone marrow transplant services will be offered in the Thalassemia Hospital being established in Hulhumale', fulfilling the pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.