Statistics released by the Maldives Blood Service (MBS) show that Vaavu Atoll has no registered thalassaemia patients in proportion to its population.
According to the data, as of 10 January, a total of 650 individuals have been registered on the national thalassaemia registry. The largest group of patients falls within the 11 to 20 age bracket, accounting for 215 registered individuals, followed by those aged between 21 and 30.
The figures also show that 40 new patients were added to the registry over the past three years. In 2023, 11 patients were registered, followed by 18 in 2024 and a further 11 in 2025.
Atoll-wise data indicates that Noonu Atoll has the highest number of registered thalassaemia patients, with 53 individuals across 13 islands, averaging four patients per island. Faafu Atoll ranks second with 18 registered individuals, while Laamu Atoll has the third-highest number with 43 patients.
Meanwhile, Vaavu Atoll has no recorded thalassaemia patients. The atoll with the second-lowest number of cases is Meemu Atoll, with three registered individuals.
Thalassaemia is a lifelong disorder affecting a significant proportion of the Maldivian population. As a result, national-level measures are being implemented to address the condition.
Thalassaemia screening programmes have been introduced for schoolchildren to raise awareness and prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, government assistance is being provided for bone marrow transplants, which are considered a potential cure for beta thalassaemia.
MBS services have also been relocated to the Orange Hiyaa Building in Hulhumalé to improve access to treatment for patients. A Thalassaemia Prevention and Control Masterplan has also been established as part of ongoing efforts to manage and prevent the disease.