Thalassemia Burden in West Bengal | 13 May 2025

Why in News? 

On World Thalassemia Day, West Bengal experts expressed concern over the State’s high Thalassemia prevalence, which exceeds the national average. 

Key Points 

  • World Thalassemia Day: 
    • It is observed every year on 8th May as a global effort for prevention, awareness and early diagnosis for inherited blood disorder disease Thalassemia. 
    • The theme for 2025 is "Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients". 
  • National Burden and High-Risk Communities: 
    • According to the 2016 National Health Mission report, 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born annually in India. 
    • Communities with higher carrier rates include Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis. 
  • Alarming Prevalence in West Bengal: 
    • According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the State’s population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4% (2011 Census data). 
    • West Bengal’s Thalassemia burden is worsened by: 
      • Low public awareness 
      • Intra-community marriages 
      • Insufficient early screening 
    • The State has over 18,000 transfusion-dependent patients and a 2.5% patient positivity rate, as per the State Health Department. 
    • State Efforts:  
      • West Bengal has established 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across districts. 
      • These TCUs focus on first-trimester pregnancy screening and screening among adolescents to prevent future transmission. 
    • Legal and Social Challenges: 
      • There is no national law preventing marriages between Thalassemia carriers. 
      • Health officials identify intra-community marriages as a key social challenge and emphasize early screening and awareness to prevent Thalassemia in children. 

 

  • The Importance of Parental Screening: 
    • Experts recommend pre-marital or pre-conception screening for both partners to prevent the condition. 
    • Without regular care and transfusions, life expectancy may not exceed 30 years for Thalassemia patients. 
    • Early detection, informed parenting, and ongoing care can significantly improve quality of life and outcomes. 

 World Thalassemia Day