The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) has called on young Sri Lankans to undergo Thalassemia screening prior to marriage to help prevent the hereditary blood disorder from being passed onto future generations.

An HPB official, speaking to the media, emphasised that Thalassemia leads to reduced haemoglobin levels in the body and is inherited from parents.

The official stated that a simple full blood count can detect the condition early and allow couples to make informed decisions about family planning.

The bureau stressed the importance of these screenings as a proactive public health measure, especially among the youth.