La Prevention Des 13-Thalassemies En Belgique Francophone. II. Proposition D'Une Strategie

Medico-social surveys and pilot experiments, conducted by the authors in Wallonia and Brussels at the request of the Ministry for the French-Speaking Community, have allowed the definition of a community-scale prevention programme. High-quality information, repeated at regular intervals and adapted to the different environments, is vital for effective voluntary screening. The contents of this information and distribution methods have been specified. Screening will take place on an occasional basis among people at risk who request it, or who accept it as an addition to other planned blood tests (curative or preventive consultations); microcytosis must be considered as a definite indication for further work up. Systematic screening is recommended in the framework of upper secondary education, through cooperation between volunteer teachers and the staff of school medical institutions; teaching methods and means have been reviewed.