Every new school year is a reminder of how much childhood is about dreams, playing and learning. But for hundreds of children in north-eastern Syria, school remains a distant dream: their daily lives are punctuated by the blood transfusions they need to survive thalassaemia, a genetic childhood disease with serious consequences. We need your help to treat them: together, we can give them a real childhood and dreams for the future!
Thalassaemia, a disease with dramatic effects
Thalassaemia – sometimes called Mediterranean disease – is an inherited disorder that prevents the body from producing haemoglobin correctly. There are different forms: alpha thalassaemia, beta thalassaemia (or thalassaemia major) and minor forms.
Depending on the type and severity, the disease causes severe anaemia, extreme fatigue, chronic shortness of breath, enlargement of the liver and spleen, sometimes bone deformities, and increased susceptibility to infection. Without appropriate treatment, life expectancy is greatly reduced. Unlike other better-known childhood diseases (such as scarlet fever or chicken pox), thalassaemia is not a temporary condition: it is a chronic pathology that requires lifelong monitoring.
The Mehad centre in Raqqa: vital hope
In north-east Syria, Mehad runs one of the only centres specialising in the treatment of thalassaemia.
In 2024, thanks to the commitment of our local teams, 5,303 specialist consultations were carried out. The centre cares for between 800 and 850 patients, mainly children, who receive regular transfusions and, in many cases, chelation therapy to regulate excess iron due to transfusions.
The centre offers :
- blood transfusions adapted to the severity of each case,
- chelation therapy (in particular Desferal, essential for preventing iron overload and protecting vital organs),
- close medical monitoring,
- and psychological support for children and their families.
An assistant psychologist sums up: “Thalassaemia is a very serious chronic disease. Psychological support is an essential pillar in improving patients’ quality of life.
“A real hope for us
Shamah, aged 11
Diagnosed with thalassaemia at the age of one, Shamah now benefits from comprehensive care at the Raqqa centre, including medication and psychological support. Her family expresses their gratitude: “Here, all her medical needs are covered free of charge, which is vital in our difficult economic situation.
Despite her illness, Shamah dreams of becoming a paediatrician to treat children free of charge, inspired by the difficulties faced by so many Syrian families.
Mohammed, 8
Mohammed has been living with thalassaemia complicated by weakened bones for seven years. At the centre, he receives treatment and psychological support. His mother says: “It’s a real ray of hope for us. Mohammed has a simple but powerful dream: to recover and become an engineer, to help rebuild Syria.
Harith, aged 10
Diagnosed when he was just 7 months old, Harith had to travel a long way to get treatment in Damascus, before his family was able to reach Raqqa. Now regularly monitored, he still faces complications (swollen spleen, liver problems). His parents hope one day to be able to finance a bone marrow transplant, which would finally enable him to live without suffering.
Your donation: a vital difference to help sick children
Without your support, this centre would not be able to continue its mission. Every contribution counts:
- 35 (€9 after tax reduction) = a blood transfusion session for a child suffering from thalassaemia
- 60 (€15 after tax reduction) = one month’s care for a child with thalassaemia
- 350 (€87 after tax reduction) = six months’ treatment for a child with thalassaemia
Together, let’s give children’s dreams back to those who are deprived of them
As your children or grandchildren head back to school, let’s help Shamah, Mohammed, Harith and so many others to regain what the disease has robbed them of: the right to grow, to learn and to dream. Thanks to you, these children will not just survive, they will finally be able to live their childhood.
