22-05-2025
India's hidden health crisis: Genetic blood disorders plague children under 12
India is facing a hidden health crisis among children: the alarming rate of inherited blood data from Metropolis Healthcare, a diagnostic laboratory chain, has found that more than 1 in 4 children from 0 to 12 suspected of having a blood disorder were found to carry inherited haemoglobin findings are based on a three-year study conducted between 2021 and
The study screened nearly 20,000 children who showed signs of haemoglobinopathies, a group of inherited conditions that affect red blood cells and can lead to chronic anaemia, fatigue, delayed growth, and vulnerability to 28.4% of these children tested positive for a haemoglobin disorder, raising serious questions about the reach and effectiveness of India's paediatric and maternal health two most common conditions identified were beta-thalassaemia trait (38.7%) and sickle cell disease (30%).
Thalassemia.
Beta-thalassaemia affects the body's ability to produce enough red blood cells, while sickle cell disease alters the shape of red blood cells, often causing severe pain, frequent infections, and life-threatening more concerning is that over half of the affected children were below the age of three, thus, highlighting the desperate need for early screening and preventive interventions."Our findings reveal an urgent public health concern. Early detection through prenatal and newborn screening can dramatically alter disease outcomes," said ,' said Dr. Smita Sudke, Chief of Laboratory, Pune & Rest of Maharashtra at Metropolis and lead author of the DISPARITY AND GENETIC RED FLAGSThe data also reveal regional differences in the spread of these disorders, suggesting that blanket screening policies may not be Northeast had the highest positivity rate at 48.44%, largely due to a high prevalence of Haemoglobin E (HbE).
The data also reveal regional differences in the spread of these disorders, suggesting that blanket screening policies may not be enough.
Central India saw sickle cell disease dominate, with a positivity rate of 37.36%.Southern states recorded a 34.09% prevalence of various Western and Northern India showed widespread cases of beta-thalassaemia data, say experts, make a compelling case for region-specific screening protocols and stronger integration of genetic testing into routine healthcare services, especially for expectant mothers and young TESTING IS A GAME-CHANGERBeyond identifying the burden, the study highlights the role of molecular diagnostics in catching what traditional tests often such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and Gap-PCR are transforming how India can detect, diagnose, and manage inherited blood disorders.
Beyond identifying the burden, the study highlights the role of molecular diagnostics in catching what traditional tests often miss. ()
"NGS can look deeply into genes like HBB, HBA1, and HBA2 to detect even the smallest or rarest mutations. This allows for early intervention, even before symptoms show up, and helps guide families in reproductive planning and disease management," explained Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at Metropolis earlier nationwide study by Metropolis, involving over 65,000 individuals, also underlined how genetic sequencing can detect both common and rare mutations in haemoglobin genes, essential knowledge in a country where carrier status often goes undiagnosed until it's too FOR PUBLIC AWARENESSIndia is home to nearly 25% of the world's thalassaemia burden. Despite this, genetic testing remains largely out of reach for many, and awareness of these disorders is low, especially in rural experts are calling for national-level policy changes, including:Prenatal and newborn screening programsMandatory genetic counsellingAffordable access to molecular testing, especially in high-prevalence zonesThe message is clear: without early detection and proactive screening, thousands of children will continue to suffer the life-altering effects of preventable genetic India grapples with a rising non-communicable disease burden, inherited blood disorders must not remain in the shadows.
