Emergency Fund for Haemoglobinopathies after the Catastrophic Earthquakes

On the 6th of February 2023, the world stood still as we watched the news of the devastating earthquakes that struck the Turkey - Syria border. This was followed by another significant tremor on 20th of February. The images and videos of the destruction and loss of life were heart-wrenching. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragedy.

So far the latest figures estimate that 41,156 people lost their lives and 108,068 people are injured. Damage surveys indicate that 139,00 buildings in 11 provinces collapsed or are heavily damaged. Due to the risk of further damage as a result of aftershocks, people are not able to enter their houses, therefore staying and sleeping outdoors in the cold weather.

These provinces are the home of hundreds of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease patients who have lost their homes and are now living in temporary abodes (sometimes even in rudimentary tents, with night-time temperatures diving overnight especially in the northern affected areas resulting in frost and snow). Patients are reportedly required to travel to nearby towns and cities, at their own expense, to receive their much-needed medical care since their own hospitals have been destroyed. Such living conditions place our patients at risk of infections, and can exacerbate their condition (e.g. it is documented that cold temperatures may provoke vaso-occlusive crises in SCD patients). Therefore, these patients and their families are in dire need of financial assistance to support transportation, accommodation and food requirements.

The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) estimates that at least 2,000 patients have been affected, of 70% of which are children and adolescents under the age of 20 (Source: TIF’s Global Thalassaemia Review 2022).

TIF has created this GoFundMe page to gather donations for relief efforts in the affected areas. All funds raised will be used to provide immediate assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical aid, to patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease who have lost everything. All the funds will be sent to TIF’s Members Associations in the area.

This is a call to action, a call for us to come together and support our fellow human beings in their time of need. No donation is too small, and every bit helps. Let us show the world that in times of crisis, we stand together as a global community.

Please consider donating and sharing this page with your friends, family and colleagues. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster. Please help the victims!