Majd Isreb, Mohamad Alyousef, Nada Obaid, Aula Abbara, Mohamed Sekkarie.
We read with interest the Viewpoint by Slim Slama and colleagues1 highlighting the important considerations for delivery of care for non-communicable diseases in emergencies. However, the article does not address the negative effects of besiegement on non-communicable disease care. More than 1 million people are estimated to be living under siege in Syria. Patients who need haemodialysis suffer during both natural and man-made disasters.2, 3 Minimum standards of care for patients who need haemodialysis include at least twice-weekly sessions of longer than 4 h and the availability of erythropoiesis stimulating agents and vitamin D supplements. In developed countries, annual mortality of patients who are on haemodialysis is less than 20%.4
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