At just 20 years old, Nihad from Yemen is battling the chronic illness known as Crohn’s disease, which causes severe inflammation and adhesions in the intestines. The financial burden of her treatment is overwhelming for her family, amounting to a staggering 237,944 dirhams for a year’s worth of care. As her father pleads for help, he hopes to restore some normality to her life.
The Urgent Need for Medical Intervention
A report from Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi highlighted that Nihad requires urgent surgery and specific injections to manage her condition effectively. The disease has led to significant weight loss, a constant inability to eat, and persistent abdominal pain. The surgery aims to remove part of her inflamed small intestine and alleviate the suffering she has endured.
A Journey of Struggle and Diagnosis
Nihad’s health problems began over six years ago when her father first noticed her drastic weight loss, despite no changes in her eating habits. Concerned, he took her to a local clinic, where doctors advised her to take vitamins and modify her diet. However, Nihad’s condition did not improve, and her ongoing fatigue raised alarms about her health.
After seeking help at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, comprehensive tests revealed that Nihad was suffering from acute inflammation of the intestines, confirming a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. The doctors informed her father that immediate surgery was necessary to remove the affected areas and rectify adhesions, after which Nihad would require monthly injections for ongoing treatment.
A Family in Crisis
Initially, a charitable organisation covered some of Nihad’s medical expenses, but as her condition requires prolonged care and additional costs, her family’s financial situation remains precarious. Her father, the family’s sole provider, previously worked for a private company but was let go. He now makes a modest income of 3,000 dirhams a month while supporting his family of five and his parents back in Yemen.
Describing the anguish that envelops their household, he said, “We are living in extreme sadness and find ourselves helpless. We cannot manage the exorbitant costs of Nihad’s treatment to allow her to live a normal life.” He is reaching out to generous individuals for support, hoping that assistance might restore joy to their home and help Nihad regain her health.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the tissues of the digestive tract, leading to crippling symptoms such as cramping, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The small intestine is often the most affected area, with inflammation typically occurring in its deeper layers.
As Nihad continues her fight against this chronic illness, her family’s struggle highlights the profound intersection of health and financial hardship, reflecting a reality many face in times of medical crises.