PILOT SCREENING PROGRAM FOR THALASSEMIA CARRIERS AT COMMUNITY LEVEL IN LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

A pilot screening program for thalassemia carriers at a community level was launched in six villages of Keo-Oudom District, Vientiane Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Prior to implementing the program, essential facilities including manpower, laboratory facilities and referral system for detailed analysis of blood samples were developed. Knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among 171 Laotian women of reproductive age were evaluated before and after providing the education program. There is a significant increase in knowledge and positive attitude regarding thalassemia following completion of the program in both scores. All participants accepted to have an on-site blood test, which revealed a carrier frequency of 15%, 5% and 24% for alpha(0)-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia and hemoglobin E, respectively. Subsequent analysis at the referral center identified the presence of Hb H, Hb H with Hb Constant Spring (CS), EABart's, EABart's with Hb CS, and an unusual form of Hb E-beta-thalassemia. These findings indicate the feasibility of implementing a screening program for thalassemia carriers at the community level in Lao PDR and emphasize the complexity of thalassemia genotypes among Laotian people.