On The World Thalassemia Day: Launch of a Large-Scale Blood Donation Campaign to Save and Support Sick Children

4 June 2026

As part of the celebration of World Thalassemia Day, Misr El Kheir Foundation participated in an event organized by the Egyptian Association for Thalassemia Patients at the Civil Education Center. The event was attended by a distinguished group of hematology specialists in Egypt, many families of children with blood disorders, and partner organizations and associations supporting thalassemia patients.

Misr El Kheir Foundation announced its continued leading role in supporting Egyptian children suffering from blood diseases, which are among the most serious illnesses threatening children's lives. This effort is being carried out in cooperation with numerous partners, including Abu El Reesh Children's Hospital.

Dr. Afaf El-Gohary, Head of the Health Sector at Misr El Kheir Foundation, stated that over the past 18 years, the foundation has delivered more than 133 million services across Egypt, including 14 million healthcare services. She emphasized that the foundation is a key supporter of children with blood disorders, particularly those treated at Abu El Reesh Children's Hospital.

She also revealed that the foundation dedicated its blood donation campaigns throughout the month of May specifically to thalassemia patients, saying: “We conduct blood donation campaigns throughout the year, but all campaigns during May are dedicated to you.” The foundation will continue supporting underprivileged children by helping save their lives and providing them with comprehensive treatment opportunities.

Dr. El-Gohary noted that the partnership with Abu El Reesh Hospital has been ongoing since 2012. Through this collaboration, the foundation has supported 100% of children at Abu El Reesh (El-Mounira) Hospital suffering from bone marrow failure, a critical medical condition requiring urgent and costly intervention. During this period, the foundation financed treatment for 51 children undergoing bone marrow transplants and continued to support them with medications and post-operative medical follow-up to ensure successful outcomes. She added: “We are proud that many of them have recovered, resumed lives that are much closer to normal, succeeded in their education, and integrated into society.”

Dr. Amal El-Beshlawy, Professor of Pediatric Hematology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, and Chairperson of the Egyptian Association of Friends of Thalassemia Patients, stressed that awareness can save entire families. She highlighted the importance of early screening and premarital testing, which are essential measures for identifying carriers of the genetic trait and preventing the birth of children with severe forms of the disease.

Dr. El-Beshlawy expressed special appreciation to the Misr El Kheir Foundation for its support of blood disease patients, whether by ensuring a continuous supply of blood or by providing necessary medications. She stated: “We consider Misr El Kheir Foundation a safe haven for children with thalassemia.” She added that premarital screening protects future generations, noting that thalassemia does not affect cognitive abilities or brain function, which is why many inspiring success stories emerge from these young patients.

She also warned of the growing number of thalassemia cases due to neglect of premarital screening. Studies have shown that the rate of disease transmission to newborns in Egypt has increased by 9%. In addition, approximately 1,500 cases of thalassemia are recorded annually per one million live births, largely due to insufficient public and medical awareness of the disease, as well as inadequate resources to cover the costs of medication, blood supplies, and other patient needs.

As part of the celebration of World Thalassemia Day, Misr El Kheir Foundation participated in an event organized by the Egyptian Association for Thalassemia Patients at the Civil Education Center. The event was attended by a distinguished group of hematology specialists in Egypt, many families of children with blood disorders, and partner organizations and associations supporting thalassemia patients.

Misr El Kheir Foundation announced its continued leading role in supporting Egyptian children suffering from blood diseases, which are among the most serious illnesses threatening children's lives. This effort is being carried out in cooperation with numerous partners, including Abu El Reesh Children's Hospital.

Dr. Afaf El-Gohary, Head of the Health Sector at Misr El Kheir Foundation, stated that over the past 18 years, the foundation has delivered more than 133 million services across Egypt, including 14 million healthcare services. She emphasized that the foundation is a key supporter of children with blood disorders, particularly those treated at Abu El Reesh Children's Hospital.

She also revealed that the foundation dedicated its blood donation campaigns throughout the month of May specifically to thalassemia patients, saying: “We conduct blood donation campaigns throughout the year, but all campaigns during May are dedicated to you.” The foundation will continue supporting underprivileged children by helping save their lives and providing them with comprehensive treatment opportunities.

Dr. El-Gohary noted that the partnership with Abu El Reesh Hospital has been ongoing since 2012. Through this collaboration, the foundation has supported 100% of children at Abu El Reesh (El-Mounira) Hospital suffering from bone marrow failure, a critical medical condition requiring urgent and costly intervention. During this period, the foundation financed treatment for 51 children undergoing bone marrow transplants and continued to support them with medications and post-operative medical follow-up to ensure successful outcomes. She added: “We are proud that many of them have recovered, resumed lives that are much closer to normal, succeeded in their education, and integrated into society.”

Dr. Amal El-Beshlawy, Professor of Pediatric Hematology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, and Chairperson of the Egyptian Association of Friends of Thalassemia Patients, stressed that awareness can save entire families. She highlighted the importance of early screening and premarital testing, which are essential measures for identifying carriers of the genetic trait and preventing the birth of children with severe forms of the disease.

Dr. El-Beshlawy expressed special appreciation to the Misr El Kheir Foundation for its support of blood disease patients, whether by ensuring a continuous supply of blood or by providing necessary medications. She stated: “We consider Misr El Kheir Foundation a safe haven for children with thalassemia.” She added that premarital screening protects future generations, noting that thalassemia does not affect cognitive abilities or brain function, which is why many inspiring success stories emerge from these young patients.

She also warned of the growing number of thalassemia cases due to neglect of premarital screening. Studies have shown that the rate of disease transmission to newborns in Egypt has increased by 9%. In addition, approximately 1,500 cases of thalassemia are recorded annually per one million live births, largely due to insufficient public and medical awareness of the disease, as well as inadequate resources to cover the costs of medication, blood supplies, and other patient needs.