The thalassemia prevention programme undertaken by SHE comprises an awareness component along with provision for screening. The prevention programme of SHE aims to reduce the number of thalassaemics born in the Maldives by providing testing services to identify thalassaemia carrier status and raising awareness of how the disorder is inherited. The programme also includes following components.

• supporting the care of thalassaemia. 
• laboratory facilities and genetic counselling services.

The first thalassemia DNA testing facility was established at SHE in 2005 to minimize the number of "inconclusive" results. The establishment of DNA testing services has contributed to a significant reduction of the number of inconclusive results.