Physicians for Palestine, in partnership with Hanan Refugees Relief Group and Ramallah Federation, is establishing the first automated home peritoneal dialysis (APD) project in the Palestinian territories. APD is a treatment for end stage kidney disease (ESRD) patients that uses the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) to filter blood inside the body from the convenience of the patients’ home.

The most common form of treatment for ESRD patients in the Palestinian territories is hemodialysis (HD). HD is associated with travel burden 3 times a week for an average of 12 hours a week, in addition to cost burden and dangerous travel conditions.

The major anticipated impact of our APD program is the improvement in the quality of life of Palestinian ESRD patients and their families in terms of levels of education achieved, higher household income, improved mental health, lower hospitalization rates, lower infection rates, and lower mortality rates.

Unlike HD, APD allows the patient to undergo dialysis at home, eliminating the need – and thus the inconvenience, expense, and potential danger – of traveling to HD centers. It also eliminates the need for a caregiver/companion to allocate 12+ hours per week to accompany the patient. Furthermore, APD patients are able to participate in normal activities such as school, work, and social activities and have fewer dietary restrictions.