Who Are We?

Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association (OHBDA) is a non-profit organization based in Al-Hail Al-Junoubia-Muscat, Oman. OHBDA has been officially announced on the 14th of June 2009 according to the Ministerial Decision No. 75/2009 with the aim of creating awareness among public on how to avoid the spread of hereditary blood disorders, and to provide a wide range of services. Key services include: creating public awareness, counseling, tracking services for parents with infants who screen positive by the State Laboratory, family counseling and support services, as well as coordinating medical and social services with the concerned organizations and in-charge institutions energizing an effective social partnership.

Why OHBDA Exists?

Hereditary blood disorders (Sickle Cell, Thalassemia, and G6PD) are widely spread in Oman, and the latest statistics indicate that:
• Sickle cell anemia is spread among 6% Omanis by which 2% are patients.
• Thalassemia (Beta) is spread among 2% Omanis.
• Around 10% Omanis are carriers of one of most dangerous blood disorder genes.
• 25% Omani males and 10% Omani females are G6PD patients.
• Thalassemia is mostly spread in Batinah and Muscat.
• Sickle cell is mostly spread in the Interior and Al Sharqiya.

Our Objectives:

• Create educational channels of communication between patients, their families and medical specialists, as well as for public awareness.
• Establish an educational center for the purposes of awareness in coordination with the responsible institutions for providing medical care and services.
• Hold educational discussion panels and workshops in both public and private schools for students and teachers to be aware of genetic blood disorders.
• Offer advice and psychological counseling services to patients and their families and inform them of any updates.
• Work closely with the relevant governmental bodies to authorize laws and regulations that put pressure on the significance of pre-marriage genetic screening.
• Develop a database of patients with hereditary blood disorders in the Sultanate, taking into consideration maintaining the confidentiality of such information.
• Track and follow up the latest findings and results of research on treatments and provide them to patients and their families.
• Encourage relevant research to be carried out.
• Participate in local, regional and international events and activities that tackle hereditary blood disorders or any relevant issues.
• Celebrate World Days for Hereditary Blood Disorders.

OHBDA Program Priorities

• Develop life skill programs.
• Develop care and services provided to patients and their families.
• Ensure the significance of pre-marriage genetic screening and limit the spread of blood disorders.
• Establish an interactive, positive environment.
• Enhance individual and institutional wise awareness on community and family health.
• Develop patients' rights and register in health care provision institutions.

OHBDA Program Strategies

• Practical, technological and legislative advocacy and support.
• Capacity building.
• Enhance physical and psychological health.
• Monitor patients' conditions and the indicators of hereditary blood disorders spread.
• Contribute in achieving the millennium goals and the country five year development plans.

Our Partners:

• Ministry of Social Development.
• Ministry of Health.
• Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of National Economy.
• Private Sector and NGOs.
• Ministry of Information.
• Mass media communication means and channels.
• Decision makers.
• International Organizations.