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Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia

Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia

May 21, 2024

Asma al-Assad, the First Lady of Syria, has been diagnosed with leukemia, the Syrian presidency announced on Tuesday. This diagnosis comes nearly five years after she declared her full recovery from breast cancer.

Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia

The official statement revealed that al-Assad, 48, will undergo a specialized treatment protocol necessitating her isolation. Consequently, she will be stepping back from public engagements.

In August 2019, al-Assad reported her complete recovery from breast cancer, which had been detected early.

Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia

Since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the British-born former investment banker has prominently engaged in leading charitable initiatives and supporting families of fallen soldiers.

Al-Assad oversees the Syria Trust for Development, a significant NGO coordinating numerous aid and development projects across Syria.

Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia

Last year, she accompanied her husband, President Bashar al-Assad, on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking her first known international trip with him since the war began in 2011.