PILOT SCREENING PROGRAM FOR THALASSEMIA IN A COUNTRY WITH LIMITED RESOURCES: A COLLABORATION MODEL BETWEEN...

Screening for thalassemia carriers should not only be conducted in middle-income countries but also can be possible in low-middle income countries, through cooperation of experienced professionals from middle income countries. We describe a collaborating model between two close neighboring countries in establishing such a screening program for thalassemia. After training and setting up of facilities, a total of 152 out of 187 hospital staff were screened as a pilot activity to encourage community participation. Referring system for sending blood samples to a reference center in Thailand was also established. Among 152 health staff, 12.5% α0-thal, 2% β-thal and 13% Hb E carriers were found. Applying thalassemia screening to 411 pregnant women and 71 spouses, 5 couples at risk of bearing a child of thalassemia disease were identified. The thalassemia screening program has a sensitivity of 99.5%, specificity of 77%, positive predictive value of 73%, and negative predictive value of 99.5%. Thus, it is possible to operate a thalassemia screening program with acceptable performance in a low-middle income country (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) with the cooperation of a referral center located within close proximity in a middle income country (Thailand).