Women Make Up Majority of Thalassaemia Patients in Maldives, Data Shows

Women represent the largest portion of the population living with thalassaemia in the Maldives, according to recent statistics from Maldivian Blood Services (MBS). Of the 668 patients currently registered as requiring regular blood transfusions, 349 are women and 319 are men. The data reveals a significant geographical disparity in the prevalence of the condition. The majority of patients reside in the atolls, totaling 505 individuals, while 163 are based in the Malé region. Noonu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls report the highest numbers, with 55 registered patients each, followed closely by Raa Atoll with 51. In contrast, Vaavu Atoll reports no registered patients living with the condition. Registration trends over the last five years show a steady influx of new patients. While 2020 saw the lowest registration rate with only five new patients, the numbers peaked in 2021 and 2023, with 22 people registered in each of those years. So far in 2024, seven new patients have been added to the registry. Thalassaemia is a lifelong genetic blood disorder, and the Maldives experiences a high prevalence relative to its total population. In response, the government has launched nationwide efforts to manage the condition and increase public awareness. A primary initiative includes the introduction of thalassaemia screening for schoolchildren to ensure early detection. To improve treatment outcomes, the state has increased funding for bone marrow transplants for children. Furthermore, the government has centralized specialized care by providing Maldivian Blood Services through the Malé City Group of Hospitals at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumalé. This upgraded facility now houses a dedicated DNA laboratory for specialized testing, alongside a Thalassaemia Patient Care Centre. The center offers comprehensive support through endocrinology, internal medicine, and haematology specialist clinics, ensuring patients have access to multidisciplinary care in one location.