Health Officials Warn of Rising Thalassaemia Risk Despite Low Patient Numbers
May 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan health authorities have raised concern over the potential long-term increase of thalassaemia cases in the country, warning that greater public awareness and early screening are essential to prevent the hereditary blood disorder from spreading further.
Speaking during an awareness programme organised to mark International Thalassaemia Day earlier this month, officials revealed that between 45 and 60 children are born each year with severe forms of the condition.
Although the numbers remain comparatively low, medical experts cautioned that the disease could become a growing public health challenge if preventive measures are neglected.
According to health sector data, around 2,500 people in Sri Lanka are currently living with thalassaemia and receiving ongoing treatment and monitoring through specialised clinics and hospitals.
Dr Sriyani Alahapperuma, Director of the Ministry of Health’s Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy in controlling the disorder. She noted that identifying carriers before marriage and increasing access to genetic screening programmes could significantly reduce the number of children born with major thalassaemia.
She explained that awareness campaigns were being expanded in districts considered more vulnerable to the condition, including Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Ragama. Authorities have also introduced school-based educational and testing programmes aimed at encouraging young people to undergo screening at an early stage.
Medical officials highlighted that many carriers remain unaware of their condition because they often show no symptoms. However, when two carriers have children together, there is a high risk of severe thalassaemia being passed on to the child.
Health authorities further stated that screening facilities are available at Government hospitals across the country, adding that a routine Full Blood Count (FBC) test can help doctors identify possible carriers for further examination.
Doctors also urged the public to seek medical advice before marriage and to make use of available screening services, emphasising that greater awareness and early intervention could help reduce the future burden of the disease on families and the healthcare system.
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