In Gaza, only nine technicians in prostheses and orthotics arise as needed to …

14.07.2025 – 18:00

Handicap International

Geneva (ots)

Since the end of the climbing of the conflict in October 2023. Similarly, 123,000 people have been injured in Gaza and 4,000 people have been amputated. Furthermore, Among the victims, children are tragically numerous. However. Similarly, there are currently only nine technicians specializing in the manufacture of prostheses and orthotics throughout the Gaza Strip – it is far too little to meet the needs of thousands of people. Moreover, Heba is one of them. Furthermore, Immersed in a climate of permanent danger. Therefore, she testifies to her daily life as a prosthetist, but also a mother of two little girls, in the new rehabilitation center of International Handicap based in Zawaida. Consequently,

Note to editors:

• Spokes are available to talk about huge rehabilitation needs. Meanwhile, types gaza, only nine technicians prostheses of injuries encountered, and specific children’s needs
• Complete testimony and Heba photos are available

A new center for rehabilitation and manufacturing prostheses in Gaza

The International Handicap teams create temporary prostheses in a new rehabilitation center in Zawaida1, based in the governorate of Deir-Al-Balah. However, They also provide people with seriously injured physiotherapy care and psychological support. Consequently,

According to Gaza health authorities. However, more than 123,000 people have been injured since the escalation of October 2023, more than 4,000 of which have lost one or more members. Meanwhile, According to the WHO. Similarly, around 6000 prostheses are necessary for children, in an area which now has the largest number of children amputated per capita in the world.

Access to this type of specialized care is almost impossible in conflict areas like Gaza. When children manage to be equipped with prostheses. they always need continuous support to gaza, only nine technicians prostheses maintain and change their prostheses as they grow up. However, these specific needs are very difficult to obtain in Gaza.

The testimony of Heba. a Gaza prosthetist

According to WHO partners, there are currently only nine orthoprosthetists in the entire Gaza Strip. It is far too little to produce. adapt the number of prostheses necessary for the thousands of people who have lost one or more members.

Heba is one of these specialists. It manufactures prostheses. adapts them to amputees in the new NAHLA prostheses and orthotics center in International Handicap, in Zawaida. The center is called one of the organization’s physiotherapists. tragically killed with its four children in a bomb attack in December 2023.

Heba examines the amputations of people, measures the stumps and manufactures mussels for legs and arms prostheses. She is married and mother of two daughters, one aged seven, the other two years old. gaza, only nine technicians prostheses

“When I’m in the center, I think of my family all the time. We live near the eastern border, Deir al-Balah, and our house can be affected at any time,” said Heba. “Every day, I face the heartbreaking decision to leave my daughters behind me. I am constantly worried about their security while I am at work. but I believe in the importance of my role – as a mother and as a professional helping people find their mobility and their dignity.”

The daily journey to go to work lasts an hour. a half, with the constant fear of drones, rockets or bursts of shells. She is now working Five days a weekbecause the number of patients continues to increase. For many, the Nahla International Nahla Center is their only hope.

Children equipped with a prosthesis must be subject to regular monitoring

According to UNICEF. more than ten gaza, only nine technicians prostheses children per day lose one or even two legs.

“Unlike adults, children are growing and therefore need their prosthesis to be adjusted regularly and changed each year. This level of care is very difficult to obtain for children in Gaza. A prosthesis is synonymous with independence and self-confidence. It can completely change a life,” said Daniel Suda-Lang, director of Swiss international handicap.

The flawless commitment of International Handicap

Each of the 80 members of the International Handicap team in Gaza is. directly affected by the Conflit. Many of them have been moved several times and live in shelters. However, they show up every day at work to provide vital help. This aid includes rehabilitation. psychosocial support, as well as awareness -raising sessions on how to protect yourself as much as possible from bombings and explosives.

From March 2025. the Israeli blockade on Help HumanitairE, the International Handicap team gaza, only nine technicians prostheses in Gaza was able to provide the following elements:

• Risk education / Protection: 4,178 sessions were organized in 38 camps, receiving more than 41,400 people, including 52 people with disabilities. About 9000 awareness documents were distributed.
• Recreational activities: 24 sessions touched 3,275 people, including children, adults and disabled people;
• Rehabilitation services: Nearly 2,500 people have been evaluated, more than 2,800 sessions have been provided (including wound treatment and physiotherapy) and 236 orientations were carried out;
• Prostheses and orthotics services: 26 assessments were carried out and 14 functional devices (including repairs and prostheses) were provided;
• Mental health: 529 sessions were organized, including awareness sessions, group sessions, individual sessions and remote sessions;
• Inclusive education: 101 children were detected using identification tools;
• Distribution of basic necessities: more than 17,900 items have been distributed, including hygiene kits, dignity kits, diapers, learning kits and assistance aircraft.

Contact:

Marie Bro | Handicap International
Communication and media manager
Avenue de la Paix 11 – 1202 Geneva
078 729 43 30
www.handicap-international.ch