When cancer meets conflict
War is always a matter of survival. But for families already battling life-threatening illnesses, survival is even more complex.
That was the case for Amira and her son, a 36-year-old living with cancer in Baalbek District, Lebanon.
Lebanon had been facing rising hostilities since 2023, particularly in the South, Bekaa, and Baalbek regions. A full-scale war broke out in September 2024, displacing more than 1.2 million people and significantly worsening the country's already fragile humanitarian situation.
Amira and her son were among those displaced. With limited access to medical care, they were responsible for administering the medications he needed to manage his cancer. "Now war has ended, but we are still feeling insecure since the situation is very fragile," Amira said.
The conflict severely disrupted access to basic necessities such as food, water and medical supplies. These things are even more critical for people with cancer, as both the disease and its treatments can significantly weaken the immune system.
"Despite the fact that water is the most basic of all things, we are required to purchase it because it has become generally polluted," Amira said.
Since the ceasefire agreement on November 26th, 2024, many people in Lebanon are still facing violence and a lack of essential services. Lebanon's economic crisis is also making recovery even more challenging.
"My son is working despite the fact that he has cancer, and he is making every effort to earn as much money as he can so that we can afford his treatment," Amira said. "It is now very challenging for us to deal with the current economic conditions."
With support from the Government of Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition, Islamic Relief Canada supplied Amira and her son with necessities that had previously been out of reach, including hygiene kits and a kitchen set.
"We are in desperate need of a hygiene kit," Amira said. Good hygiene practices, like washing hands and keeping cuts clean, will help her son avoid infections while he undergoes cancer treatment.
Despite the circumstances, Amira now feels equipped to handle the difficulties that life has thrown her way. "The efforts of organizations like Islamic Relief have made a significant impact on our ability to move forward and rebuild after the devastation of war."