Nov, 2021
People living with blood diseases in Lebanon are increasingly reliant on medical aid to ensure continued access to care
Anera recently delivered a shipment of a life-saving anti-cancer and sickle cell anemia medicine, donated by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, to healthcare centers in Lebanon.
Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite medication that, because of the dire economy, is now rarely found in the Lebanese market. In response to the shortage, Anera has imported and distributed hydroxyurea in coordination with our partner Health Care Society (HCS), and thanks to our generous donor Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
"The donation has a huge impact on both HCS and on our patients suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia,” says Bahija Mayasi, executive director of HCS.
“Because of the economic crisis here [in Lebanon], the medication isn’t available anymore, which really hinders our ability to help our patients. We really appreciate getting the medicine and hope to continue collaborating to better serve struggling communities."
Yasser
Yasser is 16 years old and lives in Tyre, Lebanon. The young Palestinian refugee lives with sickle-beta thalassemia, as well moyamoya disease. His family has found hydroxyurea very hard to find in Lebanon let alone afford.
Thanks to the donation of the scarce medicine, Yasser is able to get his medicine again at American University of Beirut’s Medical Center and is thankfully in less pain. Now he can concentrate on his studies and even enjoy a new haircut!
Aida
Aida is a Palestinian refugee living in the Beirut area. The 17-year-old has sickle cell anemia and obtains her medicine at no charge from the Health Care Society.
Aida gets regular checkups, lab tests, MRIs, and ultrasounds at AUBMC. Hikma Pharmaceutical's donation makes the critical medication for Aida available.
Aida’s doctors see considerable improvement in her health now that she is back on the drug. She's in less pain now and is able to concentrate on completing high school and enrolling in college.
Abdallah
Abdallah, 16, lives in Tyre, in southern Lebanon. He receives treatment at HCS, including blood tests, blood transfusions and treatment at no charge.
Hamza
Seven-year-old Hamzah lives with sickle cell anemia, just like his big brother, Mohammad. The young Palestinian refugees live in Burj El Barajneh Refugee Camp in Beirut, where they receive treatment at HCS for their chronic condition.
Thanks to Al Hikma Pharmaceuticals, both boys have access to the hydroxyurea that makes their continuing treatment possible.
