TRNC Thalassaemia Association announces urgent blood donor drive

The North Cyprus Thalassaemia Association has urged residents to donate blood urgently. Regular transfusions are needed by patients with thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia and other haemoglobinopathies, as well as people recovering from major surgery, women who have experienced complicated childbirth and patients undergoing cancer treatment.

“The thirty minutes you set aside for someone experiencing complications during childbirth, undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from major surgery or living with a lifelong blood disorder such as thalassaemia can mean life for them,” said association chairman Ahmet Varoğlu. According to him, blood donation remains one of the strongest expressions of human solidarity.

Blood is being collected at the association’s donor unit. Appointments can be made by calling 0548 897 0707 from 08:00 to 19:30.

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder. In severe cases, transfusions are required every few weeks throughout a person’s life. Sickle cell anaemia and other haemoglobinopathies belong to the same group of diseases, which is why the supply of donated blood must be replenished constantly.

Varoğlu noted that the police, universities and civil society organisations can organise their own blood donation campaigns. The association recalled this year’s theme announced by the World Health Organization: “A drop of humanity. Donate blood. Save a life”.