PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government is committed to continuing to reduce the number of Thalassemia sufferers through education and early detection.

This effort aims to break the chain of births of new Thalassemia Major sufferers.

In collaboration with the Association of Parents of Thalassemia Patients of Indonesia (POPTI) of West Java, the West Java Regional Government will hold Thalassemia screening involving 1,500 volunteers. This activity will be centered in Cirebon City in the near future.

This commitment was conveyed during the POPTI Jabar audience with the Deputy Governor of West Java Erwan Setiawan at Gedung Sate, Monday (28/4/2025).

"I fully support efforts to prevent Thalassemia, one of which is through screening activities with POPTI Jabar," said Erwan after the audience.

According to Erwan, this screening is expected to increase public awareness of the dangers of Thalassemia.

He emphasized that the prevalence of Thalassemia in West Java can be suppressed through massive and continuous early detection.

"We will do our best to prevent it so that the number of Thalassemia sufferers continues to decrease," he said.

West Java POPTI data noted that in 2024 there were 13,406 Thalassemia sufferers in Indonesia, with 5,417 people (40 percent) of them coming from West Java.

This fairly high prevalence rate is a serious concern for local governments.

"The contribution of all parties in reducing the number of Thalassemia cases is very much needed," said Erwan.

Thalassemia is a serious genetic disease that can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Thalassemia sufferers are at risk of experiencing severe anemia, growth disorders, organ complications, and a significant decrease in quality of life.

Without adequate treatment, Thalassemia can cause premature death.