Thalassemia is a congenital disease and its most severe form is characterized by transfusion dependent anaemia. However patients who have undergone transfusions may develop complications related to iron overload. And they need to receive medicine for iron chelation which is very expensive.

In Zahle, in the Bekaa valley, MSF is providing comprehensive care - starting from diagnosis to treatment that includes regular blood transfusions and iron chelation, consultations, and education with psychosocial support - to Syrian children with thalassemia in Elias Haroui Governmental Hospital.

Elsewhere in Lebanon which hosts more than one million Syrian refugees, children with thalassemia among the refugee population have no access to affordable treatment as thalassemia is not covered by UNHCR and the free treatment provided by the MoH is restricted to Lebanese patients.