Americares Responds to Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Update

Americares remains steadfast in our commitment to support health services for people in Gaza suffering from famine, malnutrition, forced displacement and violence.

While aid delivery has improved under the fragile ceasefire, humanitarian organizations face continued challenges with Israeli authorities restricting some organizations from bringing aid into Gaza and some cargo denied, or delayed, at operational crossings. Americares has an expansive partner network that includes both local and international aid organizations and can quickly pivot and channel funding and medical aid to partner organizations on the ground in Gaza as the situation evolves.

We have 8 tons of medicines and medical supplies ready to deliver to Gaza, including cancer treatments and orthopedic supplies, as soon as Israel lifts restrictions on shipments.

At the same time, Americares continues to support partner organizations with staff on the ground in Gaza. Americares plays a critical role in the response by funding desperately needed health services, including mental health support, for children and adults in Gaza.

Response Overview

Since October 2023, Americares has delivered 35 tons of essential medicine and medical supplies to Gaza, including enough medicine to fill more than 350,000 prescriptions, supported medical care for over 43,000 patients in Gaza and supported mental health programs reaching more than 27,000 people in Gaza.

Americares has also awarded more than $1 million in emergency funding to meet urgent health needs. Funds have been provided for mental health support, medication and medical teams providing essential health care services.

Funding has supported services such as:

• mental health and psychosocial support through: individual and group care, a hotline staffed by psychologists, mind-body self-care workshops, community outreach and training for health workers
• safe spaces and recreational and arts-based activities for children
• awareness sessions and support groups for adolescents and caregivers
• food, water and essential hygiene products for frontline workers
• a mother and child clinic providing lifesaving medical care for displaced women and children
• baby formula for infants and young children living in displacement shelters and temporary housing
• distribution of hygiene kits, clothing and educational materials to families
• mobile medical clinics offering free health consultations to displaced individuals living in shelters and tents
• distributing oncology medication for cancer patients

Americares has been supporting the health system in Gaza and the West Bank with deliveries of essential medicines and medical supplies for over 30 years. As the humanitarian crisis continues, Americares will continue to play a critical role in the health response.

Links:

• https://www.americares.org/emergency-program/israel-gaza-war/