Humanitarian aid for Gaza
Humanitarian aid
Terre des Hommes, through its international federation members, has been active in the Palestinian territories for over 50 years.
This programme is a collaboration between 6 organisations funded by the Dutch Relief Alliance to address the most pressing needs in Gaza, since the outbreak of the war in November 2023.
Right now, we are working with our Terre des Hommes Italy and the national NGO called Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) – to address vulnerabilities through the provision of specialised primary healthcare, along with tailored devices and non-food items kits of the most vulnerable groups.
Background
Since the escalation of violence, over 70% of the 2,3 miljon Gaza inhabitants have been displaced. More than 50% of hospitals are no longer functioning, and others were forced to prioritise lifesaving emergency care due to lack of fuel and supplies.
Displaced persons in shelters urgently need basic healthcare, and face heightened exposure to protection risks, including psychosocial stress and trauma. Other displaced families are staying with relatives, friends or in non-formal shelters, and insecurity and danger hinder their ability to access essential services. The most vulnerable groups are pregnant & lactating women, people with chronic diseases and people with disabilities, who are in need of specialised and constant health care.
Particular for children, forced displacement has made them vulnerable to family separation. They continue to face direct threats from military operations, especially in terms of injuries and trauma. There is increased risk of neglect, exploitation, and violence, including gender-based violence. Disruption to children’s education is a well-documented consequence of conflict zones like Gaza, further exacerbating children’s vulnerability.
Since October, there has been no access to education and a safe place for more than 625,000 students in Gaza.
Approach
We would continue with the same approach as we have now. Implementing through Tdh Italy and PMRS. We are currently supporting 3 outreach teams from PMRS who operate inside formal and non-formal shelters, tented camps, and homes, aiming to address the most critical health needs exacerbated by ongoing conflict and displacement in Gaza.
With more funding, we would like to not only increase the healthcare services, but also give special attention to the particular needs of children.
That would include:
A holistic approach to healthcare provision
Each outreach team comprises general physicians, gynaecologists, healthcare workers, psychosocial workers, and physiotherapists, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare provision. Services include consultations, examinations, pre/post-natal care and nutrition for PLW, specific services such as assistive devices and physiotherapy for PWD, and medications for PCD.
Play and Learning kit for children
With a basic play kit for children, to offer a sense of normalcy, encouraging creative expression and learning through play.
And a Play and Learning Kit for Children, which supports cognitive development and emotional well-being.
Mother and Child Care Kit
Mother and Child Care Kit addresses the health and well-being of both mother and child (health and dignity kits).
Comprehensive Family Support Kit
Comprehensive Family Support Kit support for the entire family, with for example: diapers, hygiene, first aid kit, food items, and educational resources.
Results
Primary health care services and follow up services
Since the start of the project, the teams reached 19,468 people with a slight predominance of females compared to males representing 54% and 46% of the total population, respectively. Children represent 53% of the total overall targets (10,347, of which 51% F and 49% M). Up to 11 th of February 2024 teams reached 161 PWDs, 51% of them were children (28 F and 54 M), while the remaining were adults (30 F and 49 M), with primary health care services and follow up services to 2,031 people.
The teams have also focused on caring for and providing assistance to people with chronic diseases reaching 975 individuals with cases ranging from diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Regarding women’s health, services were provided to 75 pregnant or breastfeeding women and approximately 89 newborns, including comprehensive case management through screening and ongoing monitoring for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as those experiencing issues such as infections.
Workshops and training sessions for mental well-being
Since the conflict affect not only the communities, but also our partners staff, we have been able to provide workshops and training sessions that aim at improving the mental well-being of both staff on the ground and communities, e.g. practical tools on how to deal with traumatic events and a mini guide comprising of psycho-somatic exercises for both children and adults with practical strategies for managing stress and promoting mental well-being.