The Preventive Track — Mobile Screening
Preventing Thalassemia before birth through systematic genetic screening, counseling, and community awareness.
Vision
To prevent the birth of affected children through systematic, door-to-door genetic intelligence and compassionate counseling. International evidence shows that systematic screening and early prevention can reduce new Thalassemia births by more than 90%.
The Mobile Shield Program
We will deploy four Thalassemia Prevention Units (TPUs) strategically located to cover major population hubs and underserved regions:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Kashmir
Lab-on-Wheels model: Each unit is a self-contained diagnostic cell featuring Hemoglobin Electrophoresis technology and a digital uplink to our central Haematology board. Results are reviewed by a haematologist who confirms carrier status and identifies individuals at risk.
Additional use: These vehicles will also be used to transport pregnant mothers from villages to hospitals for safe deliveries, and to refer high-risk patients to specialist care.
Each Unit Includes
- One Administrator
- One Laboratory Technologist
- One Driver
- One Vehicle
- One Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Machine
Units work independently while being digitally connected to a central reporting system.
Strategy for Eradication
- High-risk mapping — Prioritising families and communities with known genetic prevalence.
- Behavioural change — Multi-channel awareness (media, social media, schools, mosques, community and religious leaders) to normalise pre-marital and prenatal screening.
- Counseling — Compassionate, science-based guidance for carriers on marriage and family planning, with support for advanced reproductive options where required.
Outcome Goals
- 50% reduction in new cases within 5 years in target zones
- 90% reduction nationwide in 10 years
- Decreased healthcare costs and improved quality of life for families
- Protection of future generations