MoSD & Thalassemia Patients’ Friends Society Sign Agreement to Strengthen Inclusion of Patients in Social Protection Programs
Ramallah – As part of the Ministry’s efforts to expand and strengthen the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups in support and service programs, the Ministry of Social Development signed a cooperation agreement today with the Thalassemia Patients’ Friends Society. The agreement aims to enhance the inclusion of thalassemia patients, particularly those living in poverty, within social protection programs, social assistance schemes, and economic empowerment initiatives, thereby improving their quality of life and access to essential services.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, and Dr. Iyad Sandouqa, President of the Thalassemia Patients’ Friends Society, in the presence of Ministry representatives, including Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Undersecretary of the Ministry, Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care and Development, Mr. Ajaj Ajaj, Director General of the General Directorate for Persons with Disabilities, and Mr. Mohammad Salim, Director General of the General Directorate for Associations and Local Community Affairs. Representatives of the Society also attended, including Ms. Jihad Abu Ghosh, Secretary of the Society, and Mr. Hazem Alian, Board Member and Head of the Funding Committee.
Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized the importance of the agreement in strengthening responses to the social, economic, and health needs of thalassemia patients and their families, particularly in light of the current humanitarian and economic challenges. She praised the Society’s role in supporting patients and raising public awareness of issues affecting them. She further noted that the Ministry continues to develop its interventions targeting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, while strengthening partnerships with civil society and community-based organizations to ensure more inclusive and equitable access to services.
For his part, Dr. Iyad Sandouqa welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as an important step toward enhancing social and economic support for thalassemia patients and their families and improving their access to social protection services and economic empowerment programs.
Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Undersecretary of the Ministry, highlighted the importance of partnerships between the Ministry and specialized civil society organizations, noting that the Ministry is continuously developing its interventions to ensure services reach the most vulnerable groups, including thalassemia patients and their families.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jihad Abu Ghosh, Secretary of the Society, presented an overview of the situation of thalassemia patients and the challenges they face. She pointed to the increasing number of registered cases in recent years and stressed the need to strengthen awareness campaigns, medical screening programs, and psychosocial support services for patients and their families.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two parties to ensure that eligible patients are included in social assistance programs and to explore opportunities for integrating those capable of work into economic empowerment programs and income-generating projects. It also places special emphasis on children with thalassemia and persons with disabilities resulting from the disease.
In addition, the agreement covers the implementation of joint awareness-raising programs and activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the rights and social and economic needs of thalassemia patients. It also seeks to strengthen coordination and data-sharing mechanisms to support the development of effective responses for this group, in accordance with established procedures and approved standards.