Aug, 2026
Although Najwa had been evacuated to Jordan as the caregiver for her daughter, it soon became clear that she, too, urgently needed medical attention
For years, Najwa ignored the warning signs.
Originally from Al Falouja in Jabalia, northern Gaza, the 43-year-old mother of five had lived with prolonged and painful menstrual bleeding for years, even after undergoing treatment. She dismissed it as something she simply had to endure.
Everything changed after the war forced her family to leave their home.
Najwa evacuated to Jordan seeking medical treatment for her daughter, who was diagnosed with cancer during the war. As her daughter began receiving specialized care, Najwa continued putting her own health aside.
"I didn't pay much attention to it," she says. "I thought it was normal."
But in April, her condition became impossible to ignore.
What she initially believed was another prolonged menstrual cycle turned into nearly a month of continuous hemorrhaging, leaving her weak, dizzy, and barely able to walk.
"The pain and dizziness were unbearable."
The Gaza Patient Support Program: A Comprehensive Pathway to Healing, Learning, and Dignity
Since the start of the medical evacuations, Anera has supported Gazan patients and their accompanying family members in Jordan through the Gaza Patient Support Program. In close collaboration with government institutions and humanitarian partners, Anera delivers a holistic package of assistance that extends beyond medical care to address families’ broader needs. This integrated support includes food assistance, psychosocial care, educational continuity activities for children, and recreational activities to restore dignity, promote well-being, and ease the hardships experienced throughout their recovery journey.
"I could hardly make it to the bathroom and back," Najwa recalls. "The pain and dizziness were unbearable."
After seeking help, Najwa underwent a series of examinations, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. Doctors diagnosed her with large uterine fibroids that were causing severe, continuous bleeding.
Doctors evaluated her treatment options and recommended surgery. The procedure was secured through Anera.
Today, just days after the operation, Najwa says she is already feeling the difference.
"Thank God, I’m much better now," she says. "The surgery was difficult, but I’m recovering. I can walk around the room again."
For Najwa, recovery means more than regaining her health. It means regaining the strength to care for her ill daughter and the loved ones who depend on her.
Her story highlights a truth that is often overlooked: behind every patient is a caregiver carrying an invisible burden of their own. Through its Gaza Patient Support Program in Jordan, Anera is helping ensure that families receive the comprehensive care they need, supporting not only those undergoing treatment, but also the family members who stand beside them every step of the way.
