In the heart of Lebanon, the ongoing conflict has not only disrupted lives but has also severely impacted the healthcare system, particularly for those battling cancer. Ahmad Fahess, a small business owner from Nabatieh, embodies the plight of many who have been caught in the crossfire. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, sarcoma, he found his world turned upside down when Israeli airstrikes targeted his town. Forced to flee with his family, he now faces the dual challenge of managing his health while navigating the chaos of displacement.
Fahess’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. He recalls the moment the shelling began, describing how his life was upended in an instant. With only $4,500 to his name, he and his family sought refuge in Antelias, a town in Mount Lebanon. The financial strain of his cancer treatment, compounded by the war, has left him reliant on the Cancer Support Fund at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). This initiative, launched in 2018, aims to assist cancer patients, but with the influx of displaced individuals, its resources are being stretched thin.
The situation is dire for many cancer patients in Lebanon. According to the Lebanese health ministry, over 2,500 displaced cancer patients have had to seek new treatment centers, as many hospitals in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs have been rendered inoperable due to the ongoing conflict. Ali Taher, director of the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute at AUBMC, highlights the complications that arise when treating displaced patients, including the loss of medical records and the challenge of accessing timely screenings. “Cancer doesn’t wait,” he emphasizes, underscoring the urgency of care that is often sidelined in times of crisis.
The economic backdrop of Lebanon further complicates matters. The country has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, which has already strained its healthcare system. Cancer treatment, notoriously expensive even in stable times, has become a luxury for many. For instance, Ghazaleh Naddaf, a former pharmacist assistant displaced from her village, has been unable to afford her therapy for multiple myeloma for two months. Her situation is not unique; many displaced individuals are forced to choose between basic necessities and life-saving treatments.
Hala Dahdah Abou Jaber, co-founder of the Cancer Support Fund, articulates the heartbreaking dilemma faced by these patients. “They have to choose between basic necessities and life-threatening therapies,” she explains. The financial burden of cancer treatment can be overwhelming, especially when compounded by the costs associated with displacement. For Naddaf, the prospect of a bone marrow transplant costing $50,000 is a distant dream, overshadowed by the immediate need for food and shelter.
The international community, including the United States, is attempting to broker a ceasefire, but the situation remains precarious. Israel insists on its right to defend itself, citing the use of civilians as human shields by Hezbollah, a claim the militants deny. This ongoing conflict not only threatens lives but also exacerbates the healthcare crisis in Lebanon, leaving vulnerable populations like cancer patients in a state of uncertainty.
As the war rages on, the stories of individuals like Fahess and Naddaf serve as a stark reminder of the human toll of conflict. Their struggles highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support for displaced individuals, particularly those facing life-threatening illnesses. Organizations like the Cancer Support Fund are doing their best to fill the gaps, but with resources dwindling, the future remains uncertain for many.
In the face of such adversity, the resilience of the human spirit shines through. Fahess expresses a longing to return to his home and work, a sentiment echoed by countless others who have been uprooted by violence. As the world watches, it is crucial to remember that behind the statistics and headlines are real people fighting for their lives and their futures amidst the chaos. The need for compassion, support, and a renewed focus on healthcare in conflict zones has never been more pressing.