In Ibb, 800 new cancer cases have been reported this year.

The National Cancer Foundation in Ibb Governorate has confirmed the registration of 800 new cancer cases across various districts in the region for the year 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing health crisis faced by many residents.

Urgent Call for Support

In response to this growing issue, the foundation has issued a new plea for assistance to save the lives of hundreds of cancer patients in Ibb. The foundation warns that the supply of essential medications for cancer patients at the Hope Unit is nearing depletion.

The foundation’s statement emphasized the urgent need for intervention to protect the lives of 7,095 cancer patients, the majority of whom come from impoverished families. The organization is committed to providing medical treatment and care for these vulnerable individuals.

Challenges Faced by the Foundation

According to the foundation’s statement, the influx of 800 new patients at the Hope Cancer Treatment Center in Ibb during 2024 poses significant challenges. The foundation struggles with limited support and dwindling revenues, lacking stable funding sources. This precarious situation places the organization under immense pressure.

The statement further revealed that the foundation can no longer provide comprehensive health services. It calls for support from relevant authorities, organizations, and business leaders to ensure the continuation of diagnostic and treatment services for cancer patients.

Daily Patient Influx and Medication Shortages

Medical sources indicate that the foundation receives between 60 to 80 patients daily for treatment and care, including displaced individuals and patients from neighboring governorates such as Al-Dhale’e, Taiz, and Al-Hudaydah.

Moreover, sources have reported that the chemotherapy and supportive medications at the Hope Unit are on the verge of running out in the coming weeks, exacerbating the already critical situation.

Lack of Support from Authorities

Balegh Al-Tawil, the Director General of the Cancer Foundation, highlighted that the organization has not received the promised support from the so-called Houthi Zakat Authority, which had previously issued an appeal for assistance in January 2024. This lack of support has caused donors, business leaders, and philanthropists to hesitate, relying instead on the funding announced by the Houthi militia.

Concerns Over Medical Supplies

Medical sources in the governorate attribute the shortage of medications and medical supplies, which were previously provided free of charge by international organizations and charitable entities, to the Houthi group’s attempts to exploit funding intended for patients. The group seeks to generate revenue from medications while interfering with humanitarian medical efforts and imposing its decisions on funding bodies and the management of hospitals and health centers.

The situation remains critical as the National Cancer Foundation seeks immediate assistance to continue its vital work in treating cancer patients in Ibb.

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