Surt for Gaza in Egypt

Medical Advocacy and Support for Gaza 

In response to the ongoing escalation in Gaza, Refugee Alliance International is providing medical support and aid. The majority of injuries present are in children as over half of the population of Gaza are children. Our team in Egypt is made up of Gazans who evacuated from Gaza and are now supporting their people. With your donations we are able to reach these families who are in desperate need of life saving support. Cases consist of amputees, brain trauma, fractures, shrapnel injuries etc.

Over 100,000 Gazans evacuated to Egypt since 2023. Refugee Alliance is supporting the medical evacuees by providing life-saving treatment. Medical advocacy and support is provided to our patients in our partner hospitals in Egypt where we are able to provide charitable surgeries and treatments. Injured Gazans cannot afford to pay for the costs of life saving surgeries, delaying treatment and causing even more risk to their lives. With your support today we will be able to reach more children and families in need.

Refugee Alliance International is experienced in navigating the ever-changing protocols for evacuees from Gaza. Evacuations are done in accordance with local authorities, including COGAT, the World Health Organisation, and the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Once evacuees arrived in Egypt, Refugee Alliance International works with the Palestinian Embassy and local authorities to support their case for support. A team of foreign doctors provide evacuees with professional consultations and support the implementation of short and long term treatment plans.

The Alliance is actively advocating members of the US Congress for support following the recent block on new arrivals in the United States from Gaza.

Your donations will cover the costs of  life saving medical care

Your continued donations are more important than ever as new medical emergencies are a near-daily occurrence for evacuees in Egypt. Thousands of men, women, and children who have fled their homes require treatment for complex medical needs, including sickness, physical injury, and cancer. Even a procedure as simple as a burst appendix is complex and possibly fatal. Among the most vulnerable evacuees are pregnant women. Prenatal women evacuated from Gaza have often faced malnutrition during their pregnancy as well as other complications, and may require C-section. Once born, many children and new mothers face the possibility of birth defects as a result of conditions in Gaza, as well as a higher-than-normal chance of health problems and cancers. Refugee Alliance International provides young mothers with support in accessing birth-related care and procedures, as well as formula and post-birth support.

Many of the children injured in Gaza have lost their families. Refugee Alliance provides additional long term support to orphan children in need. Your donations could sponsor an orphan child's care. Reach out to us today if you are interested in sponsoring an orphan child.

Prosthetics for Amputees

Retaj, 9-year-old orphan

Retaj travelled to Egypt for treatment after losing her leg. Her injuries were painful and debilitating: a below the knee amputation.Refugee Alliance International provided Retaj with an Ottobock prosthetic. The impacts were immediate: she was walking the first day she tried the prosthetic. Because of the prosthetic, Retaj has regained her mobility and independence. Throughout it all, Retaj never stopped smiling.The Alliance is also providing her ongoing psychological support.

The trauma of amputation goes beyond the physical.It deprives children of their independence and freedom to move, play, and enjoy life. As such, a new prosthetic is more than just a replacement.It is a reason for Gaza’s children to smile again and the key to them choosing their own path.

Izdihar 3-yer-old orphan
Izdihar was only three-years-old when her leg was amputated from her upper-thigh. Almost immediately after receiving her prosthetic, she was on her feet. On her very first attempt at walking, Izdihar was walking on her own again. Being so young, Izdihar will need to have the prosthetic adjusted every few months. Like many children from Gaza, Izdihar lost her mother and father.Back on her feet, Izdihar’s bond with Refugee Alliance International’s partners in Egypt is undeniable. Almost as much as her smile.

Children arriving in Egypt are seen by a prosthetist who assesses not only their physical but also mental health. Sometimes, further surgeries are required before children can be fitted for a prosthetic. Once a cast is made, the measurements are sent to the manufacturer Ottobock in Germany. Ottobock prosthetics are world-leading and used even by Olympians. The prosthetic is then assembled in Egypt and a trial fitting is undertaken before any final adjustments are made. Children can also choose between manufactured or skin-like looks.

Mohammed, 18

Refugee Alliance International is also assisting teen and young adult amputees from Gaza. Mohammed, 18, lost both his legs below the knee before arriving in Egypt. After receiving his prosthetics, it wasn't long before Mohammed was back on the football field. Refugee Alliance International’s Football program is one of many programs helping amputees from Gaza reclaim their youth. 

Then, there is Mohammed K, 22. 

Mohammed K lost an arm above the elbow and a leg above the knee. 

Amputations above the knee are more expensive – and much more challenging. In the beginning the knee joint is locked to prevent falling. Slowly, it will be adjusted to bend more gradually until the amputee becomes used to it. Mohammed is still on the waitlist for a new arm. In the meantime, he is adjusting to his new life back on his feet in Egypt. 

Mohammed and Mohammed K are among many young men from Gaza whose futures were thrown into chaos. With their new prosthetics, they can dream again. 

Once fitted, children are provided with intense physiotherapy as they learn how to walk again. It is a long and difficult journey for Gaza’s children amputees, and psychological support is provided so they know they are not alone, including through a support group. Football and activities with other amputees is another way Refugee Alliance International helps reintroduce children to normal life and help them have fun.