In Gaza, there are many obstacles and challenges that prevent people from having a good living. From border closures to shortage in electricity to the high unemployment rate and most importantly; the lack of medical supplies which are considered vital in a city where the unstable political situation takes place. The health sector in Gaza is pursuing time in order to provide basic hospital supplies to meet the needs of nearly 2 million Palestinians living under siege.
The Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
The Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) is a nonprofit humanitarian aid organization based in Berkeley, California that aims to support children and families in Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon through direct aid, financial support, university scholarships, and educational programs in the US and internationally to increase the understanding of the situation of children living in the Middle East.
The Campaign
In May 2019, MECA launched a crowdfunding campaign that aims to bring medical aid to Palestinians under siege in Gaza. In partnership with Al-Awda hospital in Gaza, MECA aimed to purchase medicine and medical supplies from pharmacies to help hospitals and clinics provide urgent services in Gaza.
Campaign link ► https://www.launchgood.com/project/help_bring_medical_aid_to_palestinians_under_siege_in_gaza#!/
The campaign raised $32,000, $12,000 more than its original goal! The raised amount was used for the provision of health services to needy patients in marginalized areas. These services include; minor surgical operations, Tumor biopsies, AV FISTULA, PERMICATH dialysis, health services for chronic diseases including Asthma, Hypertension and Diabetes.
1- Surgeries
Some of the amount raised was used to cover part of some small surgery costs. Patients were asked to pay at a deducted cost. Forty-three patients benefited from surgical operation services including ENT, Hernia of the children, Anal Fissure, Removal of a mass of the body, AV Fistula.
2- Medical devices
Al-Awda hospital was able to purchase new medical instruments that will facilitate the treatment process of many patients. The new purchased medical instruments include; 7 Sphygmomanometers, a tourniquet device, 8 inhalation devices, and a chargeable Otoscope device.
3- Day-care services
15 Patients with chronic diseases, Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, sinusitis, etc. were given day-care services.
4- Free medical analysis
Free medical analysis was provided to patients, especially cancer patients who face challenges in travelling abroad for treatment.
5- September plans
Al-Awda hospital plans to use the remaining funds in purchasing more medical devices and instalments and provide more services to cancer Patients including Biopsy and Histopathology services.
