100,000 Thalassemia patients in Pakistan

LAHORE:Thalassemia has become a silent epidemic in Pakistan, with an estimated 100,000 children suffering from thalassemia major - a preventable but life-threatening blood disorder.

Each year, 5,000 to 9,000 children are born with the thalassemia disease, primarily due to low public awareness, cultural practices such as cousin marriages, and the lack of universal premarital screening. Despite over 10 million Pakistanis carrying the thalassemia gene, premarital screening remained non-mandatory and widespread stigma continued to hinder progress. May 8 (today) will be observed as World Thalassemia Day 2025, themed “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients”.

On this day, ChildLife Foundation has called for urgent nationwide reforms, including mandatory premarital screening, safe transfusion infrastructure, and public education campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the disease burden.

This foundation remained unwavering in its commitment to emergency pediatric care and equitable access to life-saving services, ensuring that no child is left behind - regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.