Tbilisi Residents Demand Funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
Tbilisi, Georgia – Thousands of participants took part in a pro-European march on April 18, 2026, focusing on the urgent need for state funding to provide medication for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The annual demonstration, marking the 507th day of continuous protests, centered around the demand for the Georgian government to allocate funds from the state budget for specialized treatments. Families of children affected by the condition led the march through central Tbilisi, carrying banners and flags.
Speakers emphasized the financial strain faced by parents and the critical role the state must play in accessing necessary medical care. Approximately 100 children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are registered in Georgia. The ongoing protests, initiated in November 2024, have consistently demanded Georgia’s return to European integration.
Despite numerous detentions, criminal charges, and prison sentences for participants, including journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, the movement persists. Protesters continue to call for the release of political prisoners, new parliamentary elections, and the repeal of restrictive laws enacted by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The demonstrations have faced increasing government repression, with concerns raised regarding the number of “prisoners of conscience” in the country, currently estimated at up to 150.
The march underscored the continued efforts of citizens in Tbilisi to advocate for their children’s health and a return to democratic principles.
Topics: #tbilisi #children #march
This demonstration highlights a critical issue and deserves serious attention from the Georgian government.