Palestinian Initiative to Rebuild Rehabilitation Services in Gaza
This national initiative aims to rebuild rehabilitation services in Gaza through a 20-year framework developed by Taawon, the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, and the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, under the auspices of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
About the Initiative
The initiative is informed by the comprehensive report “Rebuilding Rehabilitation Services for Amputees in Gaza”, which assesses the post-war rehabilitation landscape and identifies key gaps in financing, infrastructure, workforce, and service delivery, based on the WHO Health System Building Blocks.
The report highlights a severe shortage of funding and the absence of regular allocations for prosthetics and pediatric rehabilitation, alongside extensive damage to healthcare facilities. Less than one-third of rehabilitation centers are currently operating at limited capacity, and only eight prosthetics specialists remain active in Gaza.
These findings form a national roadmap toward a more efficient and sustainable rehabilitation system that safeguards the right to mobility, dignity, and recovery for people in Gaza.
Why Now?
- Address critical funding gaps and establish consistent allocations for prosthetics and pediatric rehabilitation.
- Rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and ensure continuity of essential services.
- Build the capacity of local professionals and attract specialized expertise.
- Develop an integrated rehabilitation system aligned with WHO standards.
This initiative is designed as a long-term (20-year) plan to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and equitable access to rehabilitation services in Gaza.