AMTF pride for Pakistan
An Interview with Dr. Asim Qidwai, Founder & CEO, Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation
Thalassemia remains one of Pakistan’s most neglected public health challenges. Thousands of children depend on regular blood transfusions just to survive, while awareness about prevention remains alarmingly low. At the forefront of this struggle is Dr. Asim Qidwai, Founder and Chief Executive of the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF), an organization providing free, comprehensive care to patients living with thalassemia. In this interview, Dr. Qidwai shares his journey, the mission behind AMTF, and a powerful message for society on prevention, blood donation, and collective responsibility.
PAGE: Please introduce yourself and tell us briefly about your professional background.
Dr. Asim Qidwai: I am a physician by training, with a special focus on blood disorders. I completed my Master’s degree in Haemoglobinopathy from University College London, becoming the first Pakistani to achieve this qualification. I have worked for many years in pediatric hemato-oncology and benign hematology.
In 2003, I founded the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation. Since then, my primary focus has been on developing systems of care for thalassemia patients, building awareness, and ensuring that no child is denied treatment due to financial constraints.
PAGE: What prompted you to establish the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation?
Dr. Qidwai: The idea emerged from witnessing the daily struggles of families whose children needed lifelong blood transfusions. Many parents simply could not afford regular treatment. Beyond medical issues, they faced emotional and financial exhaustion.
I felt there was a need for an institution that treated patients with dignity, provided quality care, and removed financial barriers. With the support of colleagues, volunteers, donors, and affected families, we established AMTF in November 2003. Our guiding principle has always been simple: our patients are our guests.
PAGE: Is it true that awareness about thalassemia is very low in Pakistan?
Dr. Qidwai: Unfortunately, yes. Awareness remains inadequate. Many people still do not understand that thalassemia is inherited or that it can be prevented. Carrier status is widely misunderstood, and myths persist.
Because of this lack of knowledge, children with thalassemia major continue to be born every year. Public education is essential — especially in schools, colleges, and communities — so people understand what thalassemia is, how it spreads genetically, and how future cases can be prevented.
PAGE: Do you recommend premarital testing for every boy and girl?
Dr. Qidwai: Absolutely. Premarital screening should be encouraged for all young adults. Thalassemia is passed from parents to children. If both partners are carriers, there is a 25 percent chance with each pregnancy that their child will be born with thalassemia major — a condition requiring lifelong transfusions.
A simple blood test before marriage can identify carrier status. Combined with genetic counseling, this knowledge empowers couples to make informed decisions and helps prevent immense suffering for future generations.
PAGE: Many people fear that if they test positive as carriers, their marriage may not take place. What is the way out?
Dr. Qidwai: This fear is understandable in our social environment. But being a carrier does not mean someone is ill. Carriers live completely normal lives. Screening is meant to inform, not stigmatize.
The solution lies in education and counseling. When couples understand the science behind thalassemia, they can explore options and make thoughtful choices. Society must also evolve to accept medical facts without labeling individuals. Knowledge should protect families, not divide them.
PAGE: Do you have enough blood donors to meet the needs of patients at your foundation?
Dr. Qidwai: Blood is the lifeline for thalassemia patients. Each child requires transfusions every few weeks. Meeting this demand is an ongoing challenge.
At AMTF, we have developed structured donor programs. This builds trust and encourages repeat donations. Despite these efforts, demand often exceeds supply. We constantly need new voluntary donors to ensure uninterrupted treatment for our patients.
Dr. Qidwai: We focus on awareness and emotional connection. Many people are unaware that blood donation is safe and takes only a short time. When donors see the children whose lives depend on their generosity, they feel motivated to return.
We also organize community drives, awareness sessions, and partnerships with institutions and corporations. Once people realize that one donation can save a life, they usually become regular donors.
PAGE: Are your services free, or do patients have to pay for transfusions and treatment?
Dr. Qidwai: All services at Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation are provided free of cost. This includes blood transfusions, medical consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care. Our goal is to remove financial barriers entirely. Families already carry an enormous emotional burden. They should not have to worry about paying for lifesaving treatment.
PAGE: Who have been your major financial supporters over the years?
Dr. Qidwai: Our work is made possible through the generosity of individuals, philanthropists, corporate partners, and international supporters. Assistance and community donations have also played important roles.
One notable contribution was support from the Government of Japan, which helped establish Pakistan’s first dedicated Thalassemia Intensive Care Unit. We also receive continuous backing from local businesses and compassionate citizens who believe in our mission.
PAGE: For readers who may not fully understand the disease, could you briefly explain what thalassemia is?
Dr. Qidwai: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body cannot produce enough healthy hemoglobin. This leads to severe anemia. Children with thalassemia major require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives.
Without proper care, the disease can be fatal. With consistent transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and medical supervision, patients can live longer and better lives. Prevention, however, remains the most effective solution.
PAGE: What message would you like to give to the general public?
Dr. Qidwai: My message is simple: thalassemia is preventable, but only if we act responsibly. Get tested before marriage. Donate blood regularly. Support organizations working in this field. Every citizen has a role to play. A single blood donation can save a child. A simple screening test can prevent lifelong suffering. Together, we can reduce new cases and improve the quality of life for those already affected. No child should suffer because of lack of awareness, blood, or care.
Dr. Asim Qidwai’s work through the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation demonstrates how compassion, professionalism, and community engagement can transform lives. By offering free treatment, building reliable blood donor networks, and promoting prevention through awareness, AMTF is addressing both the medical and social dimensions of thalassemia.
Yet, the challenge remains immense. The future of thousands of children depends not only on dedicated institutions but also on collective action. Awareness, premarital screening, and voluntary blood donation are not just medical choices — these are social responsibilities.
In the fight against thalassemia, every informed citizen becomes part of the solution.
