For the last 13 years, the people of Gaza have been living under a blockade, dealing with the horrors of war.

Cut-off from access to jobs, medicine and nourishing food, children and families here are suffering.

We are deeply concerned that COVID-19 will overwhelm the limited health services in the Gaza. There is limited health equipment, poor hospitals and medical services. Many families are already in poor health, especially children who often suffer from malnutrition and anaemia. Health authorities are urgently appealing for more support to procure lab testing kits, reporting they will soon run out of supplies.

To date, there have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Act for Peace’s partner, the Near East Council of Churches (NECC), is on the ground running three health clinics in the most vulnerable areas of Gaza. Despite these challenging times, and risks caused by COVID-19, they are still open and operating, providing medical and psychological care for children and families in need.

We are preparing the health clinics for when COVID-19 reaches the community, and finding ways to keep the clinics doors open to pregnant women, and children needing medical assistance and psychological support. Already, NECC are sharing public health information with patients and teaching them about hand washing and social distancing.

But the clinics are at capacity, and there just not enough resources to help meet the need.

Will you give a gift today to help children and families in Gaza get the medicine, and information they need during this crisis?

_{Banner image: Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
Other images: Richard Wainwright}