Effect of besiegement on non-communicable diseases: haemodialysis

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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