PUTRAJAYA, May 31, 2025 – The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) celebrated World Thalassaemia Day 2025 at the national level under the theme “Bersatu Demi Thalassaemia: Memperkasa Komuniti, Mengutamakan Pesakit” (United for Thalassaemia: Empowering Communities, Prioritizing Patients). The event, held at Dewan Damar Sari, F8, Kompleks F, emphasized a holistic approach to tackling this genetic disorder, focusing on community advocacy, early screening, health education, and access to high-quality treatment.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, in his keynote address, highlighted that Thalassaemia, a hereditary condition, requires complex, costly treatment—potentially reaching RM2.74 million per patient.
“Thalassaemia is preventable. Investing in early screening, genetic health education, and counseling is not just a necessity but a cost-saving and socially beneficial strategy for future generations,” he said.
The Minister officiated the event, which showcased Malaysia’s progress in combating Thalassaemia. Notably, 212 patients have recovered through bone marrow transplants, and sustained prevention efforts have reduced new Thalassaemia births by 49% over 12 years (2009–2021).
During the ceremony, Dr. Dzulkefly launched five key documents to guide Thalassaemia management: the National Thalassaemia Control and Prevention Programme Strategic and Action Plan 2024–2030, Clinical Practice Guidelines Management of Thalassaemia (Second Edition), National Thalassaemia Screening Programme Guidelines for Primary Healthcare, Annual Report of the Malaysia Thalassaemia Registry 2022–2023, and the Thalassaemia Carrier Mapping Report for Form 4 Student Screening Programme 2017–2021. These documents reflect MOH’s commitment to prevention, treatment, and genetic counseling.
Aligned with the MADANI values of well-being and compassion, MOH pledged to deliver comprehensive healthcare, ensuring no vulnerable groups are sidelined. Through strategic partnerships with the government, medical practitioners, educational institutions, NGOs, and the public, Malaysia is on track to further reduce new Thalassaemia cases by 2030, fostering a genetically health-literate and healthier society.
