The first Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing camp of the year was held on Tuesday to support children with thalassemia who are preparing for bone marrow transplants.

The HLA test is a critical pre-transplant procedure that determines whether a child in need of a transplant is compatible with a potential donor.

Previously conducted overseas, the HLA test was made available in the Maldives last year. The service is now carried out with the assistance of a foreign medical team through a specialised setup arranged for local families.

Thalassemia remains a major public health challenge in the Maldives, which has one of the highest rates of the condition globally.

As part of its commitment to improving care, the Government, through the Zakat Fund, has pledged to send at least 10 children abroad each year for bone marrow transplants. In 2024, a total of 14 children were sent for treatment. Alongside this effort, the Government is also working to enhance the quality of services at the National Thalassemia Centre, aiming to provide more comprehensive care to patients within the country.