MSF's Lifeline for Maternity Care in Gaza's Conflict Zone

Children & youth

Jan 25

Who: Leger uten grenser Norge, Medecins sans frontieres Norway

What: MSF - Support to GAZA

Where: Gaza

Project period: 2023-2024

Web: Medecins sans frontieres Norway

Doctors Without Borders saves lives where the need is greatest. Regardless of who, regardless of where, regardless of why. Right now, our Palestinian and international staff continue to save lives in Gaza, despite the relentless bombing. We also have teams ready to enter Gaza with more medical supplies to provide medical assistance. We demand a ceasefire now! We at Doctors Without Borders greatly appreciate the generous support from the Grieg Foundation for our work in Gaza. On behalf of our patients and all of us at Doctors Without Borders; Thank you so much.

"The attacks on civilians in Gaza are an attack on us all; when our common humanity is at stake - we all fall," wrote Lindis Hurum, Secretary General and former field worker at Doctors Without Borders, about the situation in Gaza in November.

Foto: Mariam Abu Dagga/MSF, Date taken: 15.01.2024

According to the World Health Organization, there are 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with more than 180 giving birth every day. With the health care system collapsed and 1.5 million people displaced in Rafah, southern Gaza, hospitals are overwhelmed with the surge in medical needs.

MSF medical staff discussing with patient and checking on newborn child in the Emirati hospital, Rafah, southern Gaza. The war in Gaza has completely disrupted access to maternity care, exposing both mothers and their children to serious and even life-threatening health risks. In the south of Gaza in the Rafah area, the Emirati maternity hospital stands as the main remaining facility catering to the maternal health needs of over 1.5 million displaced people.