Child with SMA in Cyprus Passes Away

A child diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 has tragically passed away in Cyprus. The funds needed for Asya Polatlı’s treatment were raised from across the island.

The devastating diagnosis was made in 2021 in Northern Cyprus. To combat the disease, the child required the Zolgensma drug, which costs $2.5 million. Fundraising campaigns to cover her treatment received overwhelming support from the public.

In response to public outcry, the TRNC Council of Ministers announced that the treatment would be provided free of charge in Ankara, under the "Health Cooperation Agreement" between Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

However, Asya’s treatment could not commence because she was not a Turkish citizen. Following this, various aid campaigns were launched in the TRNC to secure Zolgensma for gene therapy. The Ministry of Health announced that free muscular therapy for the girl had begun. About three weeks later, the child was granted Turkish citizenship.

Ultimately, TRNC authorities reached out to the Republic of Cyprus for assistance. Greek Cypriot Health Minister Michalis Hadjipandelas announced that the Republic of Cyprus was ready to provide the necessary medications for her recovery. In September 2021, Asya Polatlı was flown from Ankara to Greece on a private medical plane and then transferred via Larnaca to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, where her treatment began.

Unfortunately, the child passed away over the weekend.

Many public and political figures have expressed their condolences following her death.