HEALTH
Treating Lung Disease in Gaza is a Challenge
May, 2023
Dr. Shadi Awad, a pulmonologist and head of the lung endoscopy unit at Al-Shifa Medical Hospital in Gaza.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, the patient becomes progressively shorter of breath. Treating lung disease with the most effective medicine is a challenge in Gaza where the most effective medicines are not available or in very short supply.
Dr. Shadi Awad is a pulmonologist and heads the lung endoscopy unit at Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital. He says Pirfenidone was the only medicine available for pulmonary fibrosis but when the medicine ran out, doctors were forced to prescribe cortisone and symptomatic relief medicines that do not treat the disease but only relieve symptoms.
"Ofev is one of the most important drugs needed in treating pulmonary diseases, especially pulmonary fibrosis,” he explains. "We have a special protocol in prescribing the drug because it is effective in the middle and primitive stage of the disease, and it makes a remarkable difference."
Thanks to a generous donation from AmeriCares, Anera has provided a shipment of Ofev medication for the first time in Gaza. This excellent medicine, however, is too expensive for patients to afford. Anera's donation means that patients can receive the treatment free of charge.
Dr. Shadi was overjoyed by the ability to finally provide the drug in Gaza. "We were very happy when Anera informed us the medicine could be provided in an appropriate quantity to help reduce the rate of fibrosis."
“I thank Anera very much and hope this medicine will be available continuously because the lack of it can threaten a patient’s life.”
