Health Minister Irthisham Adam has said that one out every 120 children born in the country is born with Thalassemia.
Speaking in the ceremony held to start free Thalassemia screening services, Minister Irthisham said the Maldives is the country with the largest number of Thalassemia patients globally.
Minister Irthisham stressed on the importance of testing and on awareness on the issue.
She noted that 18 percent of the population were beta Thalassemia carriers, with one out of every 18 marriages between carriers. The Minister added that as many Maldivians chose their partners on their accord, factors such as Thalassemia have to be taken into account, in family planning.
Minister Irthisham also said the Government was working to expand Thalassemia testing services into the Atolls. As such, she said that Thalassemia testing services will be introduced in Gan this year.