Prevention of thalassaemia and haemoglobin S syndromes in Greece.

Clinically severe thalassaemia and Hb S syndromes are a major public health problem in Greece. A wide programme aiming at reducing the births of new cases is under way; it comprises (a) carrier identification either at a premarital stage or prior to the birth of first child and (b) prenatal diagnosis. Participation is voluntary and free of charge. Reduction of births of affected children has been obtained to a very large extent.