30 November 2022
Due to the 15-year illegal closure and blockade of Gaza, many physiotherapists are prevented from accessing training and development opportunities abroad. To address this, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) sends missions of UK volunteers to work alongside their Palestinian counterparts to provide on-the-job training and help build the skills of Gaza’s next generation of physiotherapists. Watch our new video below:
Physiotherapy is an essential discipline which cuts across several of MAP’s areas of focus in Gaza, including breast cancer, neurosurgery and limb reconstruction treatment. Quality physiotherapy is essential to ensuring people can regain functioning and independence after illness, injury and surgery. But services in Gaza have significant gaps, including a lack of advanced skills and specialised training opportunities, shortages of equipment and medical supplies, and an ineffective referral system.
There are around 149 physiotherapists affiliated with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, of which 95% are locally trained due to the restrictions of movement on Gaza. But with over 20,000 patients receiving physiotherapy last year, the need for continuous professional development is pressing.
As well as organising on-the-job training during our medical missions, MAP provides educational opportunities – both in-person and online – for physiotherapists in Gaza, and procures essential supplies. So far this year, thanks to your support, MAP has procured over £65,000 of equipment for physiotherapy departments.
Please donate today to help MAP continue to support training and development for Palestinian physiotherapists and other medical professionals in Gaza.
