Everything in Gaza seems impossible until MECA’s staff makes it a reality with our local partners and others. In August, we opened a new health center with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society in Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, where thousands of displaced people are struggling to survive. Now, 150 people a day visit the center where they can see a general doctor, an obstetrician-gynecologist, a pharmacist, and a nurse. Plus, a dermatologist and an ear, nose, and throat specialist come in to treat the infections that so many children and adults have from living in crowded tent camps without soap and water. And we have just recruited a physical therapist to join the team.

Polio, a highly contagious disease that often causes death and disability, was eradicated in Gaza 25 years ago. Now, several small children have gotten it. MECA’s new health center is one of the locations providing polio vaccines to children in Gaza.