The MR Foundation for the Prevention of Thalassemia
Our objective is to create awareness for thalassemia, thus leading to its prevention. The more we talk about thalassemia, the more people will get tested. A simple blood test can ensure prevention of thalassemia. Your carrier status will assist you in making a conscious informed decision on planning a family.
What is Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that can be classified into two main types
Thalassemia Minor
Carriers of the gene who typically show no symptoms.
Thalassemia Major
Carriers who demonstrate severe symptoms and require lifelong medical attention, including monthly blood transfusions and regular iron chelation treatments.
3%
Of the Indian population is estimated to be carriers of Thalassemia Minor.
10K
Annualy
Children are born with Thalassemia Major in India, the largest number globally.
25%
Is probability that a child born to parents with Thalassemia Minor will have Thalassemia Major.
Our Objective
Our mission is to reduce the number of Thalassemia cases through sustained outreach and awareness. We are concentrating our efforts in Greater Mumbai and Maharashtra to establish successful proof points before expanding further. In the last year we have been embedding ourselves in the ecosystem to identify actionable steps toward this goal.​​
Bone Marrow Transplants
Engaging with Gynaecologists
Collaboration with Government Entities
HPLC Testing
Critical Gaps in Medical Care
We are supporting vulnerable families to access Bone Marrow Transplants. This is currently in partnership with SRCC, Mumbai (add their website link if they are okay with it)
including the Mumbai Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Society (MOGS) to encourage patients to test for Thalassemia Minor, especially when planning families.
Exploring avenues of collaboration with government entities such as the Sickle Cell Initiative and the National Health Mission in Mumbai.
Leveraging digital and other media channels to emphasise the importance of HPLC testing.
Understanding critical gaps in the regular medical care for Thalassemia major children as well as the support required for BMT in Maharashtra.
The Thalassemia Carrier Test
HPLC A simple blood test, called HPLC, is all that is needed to determine the carrier status of an unborn child. The test is available at most mainline laboratories. This test is especially important for individuals planning a family, as it can also diagnose other haemoglobin-related abnormalities like sickle cell haemoglobin and other rare disorders. Couples planning to have children should take a routine blood test to assess the risk of their child being born with Thalassemia Major.