β-Thalassemia in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract

β-thalassemia, a life-threatening inheritable hemoglobin disorder caused by mutations in the HBB gene, poses a significant public health challenge in the world. Although no comprehensive work has been carried out in Bangladesh, the world prevalence and small-scale works indicated the possibility of a high prevalence of this disease in the country. Therefore, this review aims to explore the present situation of β-thalassemia in Bangladesh and propose approaches to mitigate its impact in the future. Limited awareness, a high incidence of consanguineous marriage, and inadequate access to healthcare are possible factors responsible for the high prevalence of thalassemia in Bangladesh, while the absence of public health policy and a national health insurance system further exacerbate the situation. The understanding of the genetic landscape and modern treatment strategies for β-thalassemia is hindered by the lack of comprehensive data on the mutation spectrum. In addition to conventional therapy such as blood transfusion, advanced practices such as splenectomy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and emerging therapies such as gene therapy show promise for future cures but have yet to be widely implemented in this country. To effectively address the challenges of β-thalassemia, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive strategies, including a public awareness campaign, public health intervention, mandatory premarital screening, genetic counselling, and a national thalassemia prevention program. Additionally, understanding the spectrum of mutations and new therapeutic interventions is crucial for advanced healthcare strategies.