Rehabilitation services urgently needed to avoid disability
Some 3,000 people were injured in demonstrations on the 14th and 15th May at the border between Gaza and Israel. Medical services in Gaza have been overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of large numbers of casualties. HI is ready to provide rehabilitation services to prevent patients from developing a permanent disability and to regain their mobility.
A 11-year old child injured during a demonstration in Gaza on May 12. | © Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/ AFP
In total, some 12,000 people have been injured - including more than 3,500 with bullet wounds – since the start of the demonstrations last March. According to estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 11%[1] of people injured since the start of the demonstrations risk developing a permanent disability - more than 1,000 people.
Medical services in Gaza do not have the capacity to meet current needs. Patients must leave hospital almost immediately - generally after three days - to vacate beds for other patients, making it hard to access necessary post-operative care.
Without supervision or rehabilitation care, a patient may develop infections or complications, potentially leading to the onset of permanent disability.
Over the coming days, HI and its local partners will set up 10 mobile teams. These teams include rehabilitation professionals, psychologists and social workers.
They will provide rehabilitation services and psychosocial support to the wounded and their families.
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