Weam was diagnosed with the disease when she was four years old and has since undergone several surgeries, including the removal of her spleen, tonsils and gallbladder. Her younger sister, Rayan, was diagnosed at the age of two.
The family had to perform blood transfusions for both girls in private hospitals in Tabqa, even though they are not specialised in treating thalassaemia. This placed a huge financial burden on the family, especially the cost of medical tests and expensive medicines.
Their mother says:
“Before Mehad opened the Thalassaemia Centre, we were struggling to afford expensive treatment, medical tests and analyses, and the children’s health conditions prevented them from enrolling in school.”
Today, Weam and Rayan receive regular and regular treatment at the Thalassaemia Treatment Centre in Raqqa, where they receive blood transfusions every 15 days, in addition to free medicines, lab tests and medical examinations.
Today, the centre is a lifeline for many thalassaemia patients who previously faced great challenges in accessing treatment, making a huge difference in their lives, as they are able to receive the necessary healthcare without any financial burdens.
Thanks to Mehad’s support, thalassaemia treatment has become a patient’s right after it was once a distant dream.
