The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) under the Ministry of Health operates as a regulatory body at the provincial level, overseeing the collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution, issuance, and transfusion of human blood and its components. This regulation is aimed at ensuring the protection of public health and preventing the transmission of diseases through transfusions.
Pakistan has a notably high prevalence of thalassemia. According to WHO, key statistics indicate that the β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait affects between 5.0–7.0% of the population, resulting in over 10 million carriers across the country. Each year, around 5,000 children are diagnosed with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Contributing factors to this high incidence include a large number of genetic carriers and the common practice of consanguineous marriages.
In addition, hepatitis represents a significant public health challenge in Pakistan. Different types of the hepatitis virus affect a substantial portion of the population. Hepatitis B affects 1.1% of the population, accounting for 2 million people. Hepatitis C impacts 7.5% of the population, making 16 million people anti-HCV positive, and placing Pakistan with the second-highest burden of hepatitis C worldwide. Hepatitis E is also prevalent, with 20–22% of adults infected and 14–26% of the population exposed to the virus.
Siha has entered into a partnership with SBTA to focus on the early screening and detection of both thalassemia and hepatitis. Through this collaboration, Siha will spearhead a nationwide screening and awareness program to identify individuals in need of treatment. Siha’s strategy includes educating the public and healthcare professionals, promoting premarital screening, and providing counselling to help with early detection of thalassemia in families.
The partnership also aims to strengthen the national response to hepatitis by:
- Enhancing leadership and advocacy efforts.
- Improving the availability of information.
- Expanding the quality and coverage of prevention programs.
- Strengthening testing and diagnostic services.
- Improving the quality and coverage of treatment, care, and support for those affected.