An epidemic of diabetes in Palestine is leading to major renal failure and hospital-based dialysis.
In 2019 – 2021, Project Rozana facilitated a program in peritoneal dialysis for Palestinian and Israeli health professionals. Peritoneal dialysis can be administered at home and is suitable for patients with early stages of renal failure. This relieves pressure on existing hospital dialysis infrastructure. It improves quality of life, avoids multiple hospital visits and enables children to go to school normally.
Led by Professor Adi Leiba, Director of the Nephrology Department at Assuta Ashdod, the training included medical teams from Augusta Victoria Hospital under Dr Nidal Saifi, Head of Nephrology.
Prof Adi Leiba and trainee doctors
The program participants from Augusta Victoria and Assuta Ashdod Hospitals celebrated at a graduation ceremony in August 2021.
Assuta Hospital doctors and staff with program participants
Impact
Palestinian patients are already benefiting from the program, with an increasing number being treated by their caregivers at home and monitored by local hospitals.
Outcome
The training program established a unique friendship between Palestinian and Israeli nephrologists who have jointly attended conferences and visited each other’s hospitals.