Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s wife diagnosed with leukaemia | Global News

Syrian first lady Asma al Assad, who holds British citizenship, has been diagnosed with a severe form of blood and bone marrow cancer, the president’s office confirmed. As a result of this diagnosis, she will be stepping back from public engagements to focus on her treatment.

This is not the first time Mrs. al Assad has faced a health battle. In 2019, she announced that she was free of breast cancer after undergoing treatment. However, now she has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a fast-growing cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.

Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Asma al Assad has played a prominent role in leading charitable initiatives and supporting families of fallen soldiers. However, her actions have also drawn criticism, with Western sanctions imposed on her for her association with the Syrian government’s crackdown on dissent.

Despite the challenges she faces, Mrs. al Assad continues to run the Syria Trust for Development, a significant NGO involved in aid and development efforts in the country. Last year, she made headlines by accompanying her husband, President Bashar al Assad, on an official trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Asma al Assad’s health battle comes at a critical time for Syria, as the country continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict. Our thoughts are with her and her family during this difficult period.