Jun, 2024
Thanks to a Medical Donation From International Health Partners, a Vital Drug To Treat Lymphoma and Leukemia Is Now Available in Lebanon
Amid Lebanon’s escalating healthcare crisis, Anera, in collaboration with International Health Partners (IHP), has made a significant donation of 3,432 vials of rituximab, an advanced anticancer medication. This donation is critical in providing much-needed relief to around 350 cancer patients in Lebanon for one year. Access to expensive treatments in Lebanon is increasingly out of reach due to the country's economic downturn and the ongoing war on the southern border.
Addressing the Rise in Cancer Cases
A recent study by the American University of Beirut reported a staggering 30% increase in cancer cases in Beirut, largely attributed to pollution from diesel generators. This alarming rise in cancer incidence highlights the urgent need for effective treatments. The findings underscore the broader national crisis, as Imad Chehadeh, head of the oncology and hematology department at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, emphasizes:
"We recently read the study by the American University of Beirut highlighting the increase in cancer patient numbers in Beirut. However, the issue extends beyond Beirut and affects all of Lebanon. This trend is also evident in the registry of Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health."
The Importance of Rituximab
Rituximab is particularly crucial for treating lymphomas and acute leukemia. The high cost of this medication, ranging from 80 to 130 million Lebanese Lira (approximately $900 to $1,500), makes it inaccessible for many. Chehadeh adds:
"Currently, only basic cancer medications and accompanying treatments are available through the Ministry of Public Health. However, expensive treatments, such as targeted immunotherapy, are still not accessible. A significant issue is that patients who had already begun these treatments suddenly found them unavailable and had to resort to the black market, where the quality, eligibility, and storage conditions of the medications are questionable."
"Expensive treatments, such as targeted immunotherapy, are still not accessible."
Transforming Lives
This donation will significantly impact the lives of many cancer patients across Lebanon. The medication has been received by the Ministry of Public Health and will be distributed to eligible patients, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted therapy. Patients will receive their treatment at various hospitals that provide oncology services, including public hospitals and the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
For patients like Ali, this donation is a lifeline. Ali, a Lebanese patient battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, shares his experience:
"My journey with cancer started a couple of months ago. I couldn’t get all the tests I needed initially because I don’t have insurance and they are very expensive. We had to seek help from NGOs to perform those tests. After completing the medical tests, we discovered that I had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
"While waiting for my medication, I started losing a lot of blood — about one unit every three days — until the Ministry of Public Health secured my treatment through the donation of Anera and IHP.
"I began my treatment 14 days ago. The treatment I’m receiving is incredibly expensive, especially rituximab. I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t available for free."
The treatment I’m receiving is incredibly expensive... I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t [donated]."
Where Hope Finds a Way
The donation of rituximab is more than just a medical supply; it represents hope and a chance at recovery for many patients. Chehadeh notes the broader implications:
"Without this medication’s availability, we would face a significant problem, as purchasing it from the market is prohibitively expensive, if available. Its availability for free has given many patients a chance to recover."
Anera and IHP's commitment to providing essential medical supplies amid Lebanon’s ongoing crisis is a testament to the power of humanitarian aid. This rituximab donation is finding a way to hope, ensuring that patients receive the care they need during these challenging times.
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