Health Sector for Civil Organizations: Protecting Thalassemia Patients and Ensuring Testing for Them is a Human Right

SadaNews - The Palestinian Network of Civil Organizations published a press statement in which the health sector of the network reiterated the importance of local and international stakeholders taking full responsibility to address the consequences of the deterioration threatening the health sector, particularly due to the genocidal war on Gaza, the lack of medical services due to the disruption of extensive facilities, a shortage of medicines, and the prohibition of medical supplies. The sector expresses its grave concern over the health crises accompanying thalassemia patients in particular against a humanitarian backdrop that casts shadows on all aspects of life.

The following is the statement as it was stated:

On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, which coincided on March 8th, the health sector reaffirms the need for extensive and diligent follow-up from all parties as the daily suffering of patients intensifies and demands the following:

- While the world celebrates World Thalassemia Day, suffering in the Palestinian territories is escalating. It is no longer a day for celebration but rather a day to shed light on the reality due to the ongoing severe shortage of medicines and the decline in medical testing, which requires pressing the occupying authorities to allow the necessary equipment to enter.

- Emphasizing the importance of conducting early medical testing and diagnosis through specialized systems and devices, and working on addressing the issue of regular access to blood transfusion services and iron-chelating medications, especially in Gaza and marginalized areas.

- A collaborative effort at all levels to raise community awareness, update health databases, and link them to a national database according to an integrative plan despite current conditions, and to equip health institutions with necessary work requirements.

- Due to the genocide and ongoing aggression, more than 60 thalassemia patients have been documented as martyrs during the past two years, in addition to the presence of 854 patients, 237 of whom are from Gaza, which requires international intervention to protect them, save their lives, and ensure sustainable blood provision.

- The health sector demands support for patients psychologically and socially, enabling them to continue education and engage in the labor market along with enhancing regular blood donation campaigns and facilitating patients' access to treatment centers.

- Taking strict measures to prevent the completion of marriages that violate the law and implementing the stipulations laid out in religious courts, thus protecting patients' right to life.