Associate Paediatrician at Maldives Blood Services (MBS) Dr. Ahmed Umar has stated that thalassemia cases in the Maldives are rising due to the unavailability of prenatal tests in Maldives despite public awareness on thalassemia.

Speaking to 'One' as part of 'One Online's coverage on Thalassemia Day, Dr. Umar said that thalassemia awareness has increased among the public over the years.

Thalassemia statistics show 14 people registered at the centre in 2016, 11 people in 2017, 19 people in 2018, 11 people in 2019, and 5 people in 2020. However, 2021 saw an increase in number of registration to 22 people, and a total of 10 people have been registered so far in 2022.

Dr. Umar attributed the rise in thalassemia patients to the unavailability of prenatal diagnosis during Covid-19 lockdown, as tests could not be done overseas.

"The prenatal tests require samples taken from the placenta. This test is unavailable in the Maldives. People could not travel abroad due to lockdown and border closures. Which is why we believe the increase in numbers is due to Covid-19" Dr. Umar told 'One'.

He said that thalassemia tests conducted before marriage can help to minimise the cases and create more awareness on thalassemia. He added that families have a responsibility as well in ensuring thalassemia tests are carried out before marriage.

Dr. Umar further added that since 2017, special programs are conducted to create awareness for married couples who are both thalassemia carriers. As part of the program, couples are advised to undergo prenatal tests to minimise the chances thalassemia in the baby. He noted that the number of thalassemia patients decreased with increased awareness and testing.

Dr. Umar also noted that married couples in the atolls have limited access to awareness programs and therefore do not know the procedures to follow during pregnancy in most cases.

"The program started in 2017 requires couples to submit their thalassemia certificates to family court for marriage. However, the program came to a halt with the pandemic and we are working on continuing the program again" Dr. Umar said.

DR. Umar added that policies should be put in place to ensure prenatal diagnosis is available in the Maldives to curb the number of thalassemia patients in the nation.