Public Health Ministry Emphasizes Thalassemia Prevention

One day after World Thalassemia Day, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health held a public awareness conference in Kabul on the disease, where health officials emphasized the importance of prevention, public awareness, and strengthening healthcare services for thalassemia patients.

Abdul Wali Haqqani, Deputy Minister for Healthcare Services at the Ministry of Public Health, said during the event that the Islamic Emirate has an important responsibility in strengthening the health sector and providing services to patients. According to him, human health forms the foundation of a healthy society.

He said: “The Islamic Emirate has an important responsibility in strengthening the health sector, serving patients, and building a healthy society. From the perspective of the Islamic Emirate, human health is the foundation of a healthy community.”

Meanwhile, the Director General of Curative Medicine at the Ministry of Public Health said the ministry is working to prevent the spread of thalassemia across the country and has established several specialized treatment centers.

Wahdat Alokozai said: “Thalassemia can both be treated and prevented. Prevention is possible through a simple test, and public health awareness can also play a significant role in controlling the disease.”

Niaz Gul Niazmund, head of the National Blood Bank at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “Currently, 1,500 thalassemia patients are registered in Kabul, including more than 700 men and 700 women. In the provinces, more than 11,000 thalassemia patients have also been registered.”

Some children suffering from thalassemia say they cannot afford treatment costs and are calling for assistance from government institutions and international organizations.

Hekmatullah, a child patient, said: “The cost of treatment and medicine is high, and we cannot afford it. We ask the Minister of Public Health, international organizations, charities, and businesspeople to help build hospitals and support patients.”

Another child with thalassemia, Kainat, said: “Thalassemia patients are vulnerable and helpless people, and they need greater support and assistance.”

Thalassemia is a chronic blood disorder affecting large numbers of children and young people in Afghanistan. Patients suffering from the disease require continuous blood transfusions and long-term medical care to survive.