Thalassemia Status in Cambodia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• High prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in Cambodia, with 40% carriers and significant beta-thalassemia major births.
• Existing national guidelines for thalassemia management since 2011, but limited epidemiological data on gene frequencies across ethnic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the current status of thalassemia in Cambodia.
• To identify gaps in data and resources for thalassemia prevention and control.
• To recommend future strategies for managing hemoglobinopathies in the country.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of population data and estimated prevalence of hemoglobinopathies.
• Review of current clinical management guidelines and medication availability.
• Identification of future needs for national policy and patient registries.

Main Results:

• Estimated 40% carrier prevalence for hemoglobinopathies, with 2240 annual births of beta-thalassemia major.
• Overall prevalence of beta-thalassemia and alpha-thalassemia at 40.9% and 39.6%, respectively.
• Limited availability of oral iron chelators, restricted to private sources.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for a national policy on beta-thalassemia and alpha-thalassemia prevention and control.
• Establishment of a national thalassemia patient registry is crucial.
• Recommendations include determining regional gene frequencies and including iron chelators in essential medicine lists.