HOFCD explains thalassemia in simple Urdu-friendly terms — what it is, how it affects children, how it is inherited, and what treatment options are available for families in Pakistan.
Thalassemia is the most common inherited blood disorder in Pakistan — yet most families discover it only after their child becomes seriously ill. HOFCD is committed to ensuring every family in Mailsi, Vehari, and across Pakistan understands thalassemia before it is too late.
What Is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body cannot produce enough healthy hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without healthy hemoglobin, the body suffers from severe anemia, organ damage, and, without treatment, early death.
Types of Thalassemia
- Thalassemia Minor (Carrier): Person carries one defective gene. Usually has no serious symptoms. Can pass the gene to children. About 5–7% of Pakistanis are carriers.
- Thalassemia Major: Child inherits defective genes from both parents. Requires blood transfusions every 2–4 weeks for life. Diagnosed usually in the first 2 years.
- Thalassemia Intermedia: Moderate severity — may or may not require regular transfusions.
How Is It Inherited?
When two thalassemia minor carriers marry, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of producing a child with thalassemia major. This is why pre-marital screening is critically important.
Treatment in Pakistan
- Regular blood transfusions every 2–4 weeks
- Chelation therapy to prevent iron overload from transfusions
- Bone marrow/stem cell transplant — the only potential cure, available at major hospitals in Lahore and Karachi
What HOFCD Does
HOFCD provides free blood transfusion camps, thalassemia screening, medicine support, and patient family counseling in Mailsi, Vehari, Punjab. Contact us at support@myhofcd.org or WhatsApp 03037898491 for help.
