PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan supports strengthening early detection of thalassemia through education and genetic screening for residents on (27/7/2026).

Community Service Activities for Thalassemia Sufferers and Their Families were held by RSHS Bandung together with RSAB Harapan Kita.

The event brought together thalassemia sufferers, their families, healthcare workers, researchers, academics, and the government.

Muhammad Farhan appreciated the steps taken by RSHS Bandung and RSAB Harapan Kita in providing thalassemia prevention services.

"On behalf of the Bandung City Government, we appreciate the initiatives of RSHS and RSAB Harapan Kita, which continue to introduce innovations in thalassemia treatment. Efforts like these are crucial because they raise public awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of genetic diseases," said Farhan.

Farhan said the Bandung City Government supports health education, screening, and support for people with thalassemia and their families.

"We support every step that strengthens health education, screening, and support for people with thalassemia and their families. Cross-sector collaboration is key to improving the quality of health services and ensuring they reach those in need," he said.

He assessed that the presence of RSHS as a national referral hospital provides great benefits for public health services in Bandung and West Java.

West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan said thalassemia remains a health challenge that requires collective attention.

Data shows that the prevalence of thalassemia carriers in Indonesia reaches around 3–10 percent of the population, with around 40 percent of sufferers living in West Java.

"The West Java Provincial Government is committed to strengthening education, early detection, and support efforts to continue to reduce the number of thalassemia cases. We hope this will also improve the quality of life for those with the condition," said Erwan.

RSHS Bandung President Director Dr. H. Rachim Dinata Marsidi explained that this activity is a form of health service that has a direct impact on the community.

RSHS Bandung together with RSAB Harapan Kita strengthens research and family education on the importance of early detection and genetic screening.

Harapan Kita Hospital President Director Dr. Reni Wigati said that collaboration between regional hospitals can expand the benefits of national health programs.

"I've witnessed that national programs wouldn't be able to reach the community without the hard work of regional hospitals. Therefore, the collaboration with RSHS is a concrete example of how research and health services can provide direct benefits to the community," he said.

This activity invites families of thalassemia sufferers to participate in genetic screening to find out their carrier status early on.

This step helps the community take preventive measures so that the risk of thalassemia in the next generation can be reduced.

The series of activities for National Children's Day 2026 and the 103rd anniversary of RSHS involved 484 people with thalassemia.

A total of 90 saliva samples were collected to support research and strengthen genetic screening for thalassemia.

Through education and early screening, this activity helps families understand their health conditions and improves the quality of life of those affected.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)