Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation

bangladesh thalassemia foundation (btf) is a non-profit organization to help and support thalassemia patients. it was founded by the parents, patients and friends who have been affected by the disease. at the heart of the organization is a strong desire to help in improving the quality of life for all patients with thalassemia and to work for prevention of the disease in bangladesh. it is operated by a group of volunteers including 5 full time paid staff. it is an active member of thalassemia international federation (tif) since 2003. thalassemia is a very common genetic disorder in bangladesh which requires lifelong regular blood transfusion at 2-4 weeks interval. repeated blood transfusion results in toxic iron accumulation in the body, which in turn damages vital organs i.e. heart, liver, and pancreas. therefore these patients require regular treatment with expensive iron chelating drugs. the overall treatment is burdensome, painful and destroys the economic prospect of an affected