HEALTH
Living with High Blood Pressure in Gaza
A recent medical donation is helping hypertension patients live healthy, active lives in Gaza
Haja Wafa is at the Society for the Physically Disabled for treatment. The 50-year-old mother of seven has recently been experiencing severe headaches and unusual fatigue. She developed high blood pressure some years ago — a result, she thinks, of accumulated stress.
She explains the source of her stress,
“Everyday life in Gaza can be stressful enough. But then I began feeling weak, and my vision became blurred.”
She also has a weakened heart in addition to hypertension, which worsens her condition.
After an examination, Dr. Sameer Abu Jayaab prescribes her losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke.
Wafa relies on the charitable health clinic to get the medicine she needs. Without it, she would be at heightened risk of suffering a stroke or other grave health complications.
Thanks to a generous donation from Americares and Islamic Relief USA, Anera recently delivered losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide to nine clinics and hospitals across Gaza.
Abu Jayaab says,
“Uncontrolled high blood pressure may make her condition worse. Unless she gets the medicine on time, she won’t be able to maintain a normal life.”
The doctor also advises her on how best to follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, to control her blood pressure.
He adds,
“We’re grateful for the medicine that can assure our patients that we are by their side.”
The views expressed herein are those of Anera and shall not, in any way whatsoever, be construed to reflect the official opinion of IRUSA, its Islamic Relief affiliates, or its donors.
