RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - The Bandung City Government strengthened efforts to prevent thalassemia through health education and genetic screening programs. The initiative was highlighted during a community service program for thalassemia patients and families in Bandung on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The program was organized by Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) Bandung and Harapan Kita Women and Children Hospital. It brought together thalassemia patients, families, healthcare workers, researchers, academics, and government representatives.

Bandung Mayor, Muhammad Farhan, appreciated the initiative as an important step to increase public awareness about early detection and prevention of genetic diseases. He said the city government supports health education, screening, and assistance for thalassemia patients and their families.

"On behalf of the Bandung City Government, we appreciate the initiatives of RSHS and RSAB Harapan Kita that continue to provide innovations in thalassemia management. These efforts are important because they build public awareness about early detection and prevention of genetic diseases," Farhan said.

He emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is essential to improve healthcare services and expand access for communities in need. He added that RSHS Bandung, as a national referral hospital, provides significant benefits for healthcare services in Bandung and West Java.

West Java Deputy Governor, Erwan Setiawan, said thalassemia remains a health challenge requiring collective attention. He noted that thalassemia carrier prevalence in Indonesia reaches around 3 to 10 percent of the population, with approximately 40 percent of patients located in West Java.

"The West Java Provincial Government is committed to strengthening education, early detection, and assistance efforts so thalassemia cases can continue to be reduced. We hope the quality of life of patients will also improve," Erwan said.

Bost hospitals strengthened research and family education on the importance of early detection and genetic screening through the program. The activity also encouraged families of thalassemia patients to undergo genetic screening to identify carrier status at an early stage.

The screening process aims to help communities take preventive measures and reduce thalassemia risks for future generations. The program involved 484 thalassemia patients, with 90 saliva samples collected to support research and strengthen genetic screening efforts.

Through health education, research collaboration, and early examination, Bandung continues to support efforts in improving the understanding and management of thalassemia. The initiative reflects the importance of local and national healthcare collaboration in addressing genetic health challenges.