Iraqi Health Ministry urges premarital screening to curb thalassemia cases

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Health announced measures Monday aimed at reducing the incidence of thalassemia, emphasizing the importance of premarital screening to detect genetic blood disorders.

Ministry spokesperson Saif Al-Badr told the Iraqi News Agency that the ministry has prioritized providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive medical services for patients with thalassemia and other genetic blood diseases.

Thalassemia is a hereditary condition that can be passed to children when both parents carry the gene.

“The main problem lies in the low adherence to premarital screening in society,” Al-Badr said. He explained that prevention involves raising awareness and conducting tests, especially among individuals with family members who have the condition.

Al-Badr added, “It is essential to ensure that a carrier of the gene does not marry another carrier, even if neither shows symptoms.”

He said that premarital screening also helps limit the spread of other genetic and communicable diseases, including immunodeficiency disorders, but low compliance remains a challenge.

The Ministry of Health has formed a high committee for thalassemia and genetic blood diseases, chaired by a deputy minister, and works with relevant institutions including Sunni and Shiite religious endowments, related ministries, and media and cultural organizations.

“Thalassemia patients require continuous blood transfusions and treatment throughout their lives,” Al-Badr said, warning that failure to follow regular treatment protocols can result in serious complications and increase the risk of passing the disease to children.

He called on “all media outlets, especially news agencies, media figures, community leaders, religious authorities, artists, and athletes” to intensify awareness efforts about genetic disorders, particularly thalassemia.

According to Al-Badr, thousands of patients currently receive ongoing treatment, which imposes a significant financial burden on the ministry due to the need for blood bags, transfusions, and other therapies.