Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which a child has a low haemoglobin because of reduced or absent production of certain proteins. Due to low haemoglobin or anemia, the overall oxygen carrying capacity is reduced which leads to certain signs and symptoms.

Thalassemia is broadly divided into two types: Alpha and Beta. In Pakistan, beta thalassemia is the predominant type which is further classified into Thalassemia minor and Thalassemia major.

Thalassemia minor, as the name indicates, is a carrier state and the person is usually asymptomatic. In this form of the disease, it may stay undetected for many years or even throughout life.  Overall, approximately 6% of Pakistani population is Thalassemia minor.

On the other hand, beta thalassemia major is a more severe form and these patients need regular blood transfusion for survival