Mar, 2025
Vital medical aid donated by SAMS is allowing remaining health facilities to function
Amid a return to war and a total blockade on the entrance of goods this month, the healthcare system in Gaza faces unprecedented challenges. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, fuel for the generators and medical supplies are scarce, and much health infrastructure has been attacked. Amid this crisis, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is stepping in to provide crucial support to the Al-Sahaba Medical Complex in Gaza City, playing a pivotal role in sustaining healthcare services and saving lives.
The Dire State of Gaza’s Healthcare System
Hospitals have faced critical shortages of essential medicines and equipment, hindering their ability to provide adequate care. The destruction of sanitation systems and restrictions on medical supplies have created an environment conducive to the rapid spread of infections.
Al-Sahaba Medical Complex, now serving as a major health provider in Gaza following the collapse of Ministry of Health hospitals, is not immune to these challenges. The hospital struggled with a lack of infection control equipment, leading to increased risks of hospital-acquired infections among patients and healthcare workers.
SAMS’ Intervention: A Lifeline Amidst the Crisis
Recognizing the urgent need for medical supplies, SAMS recently donated medical aid through Anera to health facilities in Gaza. The shipment arrived at our distribution center in Gaza in mid-February, during the ceasefire before the border closures, and we finished distributing the aid to health centers on February 19. The shipment included essential infection control equipment, which we distributed to Al-Sahaba Medical Complex, among other recipients. This support includes:
- Surgical Gowns: Previously, patients underwent lifesaving surgical operations without following proper sterilization procedures, putting them at risk for post-operative infections that could become life-threatening. The provision of new gowns ensured safer surgical environments.
- Hand Sanitizers (Alcohol Gel): The lack of hand sanitizers was compromising hygiene practices. Supplying alcohol gel helped maintain hand hygiene standards, protecting both patients and staff.
- Surgical Gloves: Essential for preventing the transmission of infections during procedures, the availability of surgical gloves restored confidence in performing surgeries safely.
The support also includes a range of additional essential items for infection control, all aimed at minimizing the risk of disease transmission and ensuring a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.
Sameh Attallah, the head of the surgical operations department at Al-Sahaba Medical Complex, expressed profound gratitude for this timely support.
“We were experiencing a catastrophic shortage of infection control equipment, which worsened the health conditions of some patients,” Attallah said. “But with the arrival of these supplies, we could perform surgeries in a safer environment, ultimately saving lives.”
"With the arrival of these supplies, we could perform surgeries in a safer environment, ultimately saving lives.”
Impact on Patient Care and Hospital Operations
The infusion of infection control supplies had an immediate and transformative effect on patient care and hospital operations, allowing the hospital to reduce incidents of hospital-acquired infections, improving patient health. With the new protective materials, the hospital was also able to resume elective surgeries. And the positive impact on staff morale cannot be overlooked, as healthcare professionals could care for patients with the proper supplies to protect both themselves and their patients.
Ongoing Challenges Require Continued Support
Despite these improvements, Al-Sahaba Medical Complex continues to face challenges. There remains a pressing need for additional supplies, such as patient gowns and protective covers. The hospital also requires consistent access to medications and advanced medical equipment to fully restore its operational capacity.
The situation in Gaza’s healthcare sector underscores the importance of sustained international support. Organizations like SAMS play a crucial role in bridging gaps, but long-term solutions necessitate collaborative efforts from the global community to ensure the right to health for all individuals in war zones.
SAMS’ intervention at Al-Sahaba Medical Complex clearly demonstrates how focused humanitarian support can lead to measurable improvements. By supplying essential infection control equipment, SAMS has directly enhanced patient care and helped stabilize hospital operations during a period of severe resource constraints. Moreover, SAMS not only provided Al-Sahaba with much-needed supplies, but also extended support to other medical facilities in Gaza.
“In the midst of this crisis, having access to infection control equipment has been a lifeline. It has helped protect lives and prevent the collapse of the healthcare system. We are deeply grateful to SAMS for this invaluable support—it proves that humanitarian aid can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
“In the midst of this crisis, having access to infection control equipment has been a lifeline."
Gaza
Gaza City Governorate
In 1984, Anera’s Gaza City office opened with three staff members. It is still at the same location today, but with 17 staff members. From that location, the team manages water and sanitation, education, healthcare, economic development, and humanitarian relief projects throughout Gaza.
