DKMS Foundation India has announced free HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing for children under 12 diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major, a severe inherited blood disorder requiring lifelong transfusions or stem cell transplantation. The initiative, launched ahead of World Thalassaemia Day on May 8, targets financial and access barriers to curative treatment across the country.

The programme includes nationwide awareness and screening camps conducted with NGOs and transplant centres, where patients and family members provide buccal swabs for HLA typing. Samples will be analyzed at DKMS laboratories in Germany, and matching reports will be shared with families to identify potential related donors; if none are found, DKMS will conduct free searches for unrelated donors through its international registry.

Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS Group, said the initiative aims to ease the burden on families pursuing transplantation, while Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS Foundation India, emphasized the organisation's broader Access to Transplant programme, which includes donor search support and financial aid. India sees over 10,000 thalassaemia births annually, but matched unrelated donors remain scarce due to underrepresentation of Indian donors in global registries.

Healthy adults aged 18 to 55 can register as stem cell donors by requesting a home swab kit via DKMS India's website. Registrants are anonymously listed on international donor search platforms, increasing the chance of matches for patients in need. DKMS will continue expanding donor outreach and screening efforts in collaboration with medical and community partners.