Doctors Stress Importance of Pre-Marital Screening to Prevent Thalassemia

Thalassemia continues to be a significant genetic health challenge in Indonesia, necessitating proactive measures to prevent its transmission. The disease, passed from parents to children through genes, can lead to severe anemia if a child inherits the major form.

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On the one hand, thalassemia is a disorder in the formation of hemoglobin. Because the formation of hemoglobin is abnormal, red blood cells become easily damaged. Sufferers also experience anemia, ranging from mild to severe degrees.

While the genetic defect itself cannot be prevented once inherited, the birth of children with major thalassemia can be avoided through strategic interventions. These include carrier screening, genetic counseling, and careful pregnancy planning. Indonesia, situated within the "thalassemia belt," faces a considerable burden, with an estimated 3-10% of its population carrying the trait, often without exhibiting any symptoms.

Dr. Dyah Ayu Shinta Lesmanawati, a pediatrician and lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, explains that thalassemia affects hemoglobin formation, making red blood cells fragile and leading to varying degrees of anemia. She highlights that individuals can be carriers without showing physical signs. However, when two carriers have children, each pregnancy carries a 25% risk of the child developing major thalassemia, a 50% chance of being a carrier, and a 25% chance of being healthy and not a carrier.

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Ideally, screening is done before marriage. In fact, from a young age, a person should already know their thalassemia status. That way, couples can understand the risks they might face when planning for offspring.

To mitigate these risks, Dr. Shinta strongly advises pre-marital screening and counseling. This process aims not to prohibit marriage but to equip couples with crucial information. Understanding their carrier status allows them to make informed and responsible decisions about family planning. Ideally, individuals should be aware of their thalassemia status from a young age, facilitating better planning for future generations.

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The purpose of screening is not to prohibit someone from marrying. Conversely, this examination provides sufficient information so that couples can make decisions consciously and responsibly.