Thalassemia cases in Sabah highest — assistant minister
PENAMPANG: Sabah has the highest number of Thalassaemia cases in the country with 1,700 to 1,800 patients, according to Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Azhar Datuk Matussin.
In this regard, he said the State Government had set a target to achieve zero Thalassemia in Sabah by the year 2030.
“In order to achieve this mission, the state government will assist and support the Thalassaemia Association of Sabah in any future activity.
“I also urge parents of Thalassemia patients not to give up hope and continue to provide support and encouragement to their children or family members with the disease,” said Azhar when launching the Thalassemia Charity Concert held here recently.
Azhar said based on the National Thalassaemia data collection, a total of 7,848 patients were registered as of August 2018 compared to 7,220 patients in 2017 and 55 percent of the patients are below 20 years old.
“Thalassaemia is a disease inherited through human genes or human Y where the patient will suffer from blood deficiency and need a blood transfusion every month for life.
“I hope all Sabahans will give cooperation and support by joining any programs related to Thalassaemia and blood donation campaigns.
“Therefore, the support and contribution of the society and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are welcomed to help the government especially the Ministry of Health as well as the patient’s family,” he said.
The Thalassaemia Charity Concert was organized by the Sabah Thalassaemia Association with the cooperation of the Sabah Blood Donor Society (TRENDS), the Welfare Organization Melati Sabah (MELATI) and the Community of Blood Donor Community (PERDARAH) to raise funds to carry out various activities to help patients in this state.
Also present were Penampang District Officer, Robert Stidi, president of the Association of Thalassaemia Sabah, Francis Mujim, chairman of the District Thalassemia Association and parents and Thalassaemia patients.