Build Clinics Urgently for Gaza

Hi! My name is Nina Ng. I've been a nurse and humanitarian worker for 15 years, working in emergency rooms and hospitals in New York City, refugee crises around the world, and numerous war zones. Last summer, I formed my NGO Help Me Live USA (HMLUSA) after years of creating independent missions in Haiti, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Iraq. 

In January, I decided to dedicate 100% of HMLUSA's time and resources to Gaza. We've deployed two teams so far, in March and April of this year. Day and night, there were bombings and airstrikes. There were times when my colleagues and I felt our building shake as a result, wondering if we would need to evacuate or provide trauma care. We watched mass casualties come into the hospital where bleeding bodies were placed on the floor because there weren't enough stretchers. 

Regardless, we made the most of our time in Gaza. We provided medical care in hospitals and clinics, gifted toys to children in a pediatric ward in Rafah, organized water tank distributions, delivered medications and supplies to various medical facilities, and visited families at their tents. 

Our approach to humanitarian aid is unique because we think carefully about how we can improve the spirits of those we come by. For example, when we handed out new clothes to children, we looked at each child and picked an outfit that suits them and asked them if they liked it. During all of our aid distribution, we play with the children, ask them questions, make them laugh, and try our best to bring them joy. When we are not in Gaza, we continue to stay in touch with Palestinians on WhatsApp and social media as companions and continuously check in on them. Mental health is at the top of HMLUSA's priorities.

After the Rafah border closed, it became difficult to enter Gaza. We shifted our attention to building infrastructure and employing locals rather than spend funds to wait in Cairo or Jordan for mission dates. Since that time, we partnered with another organization to build a field clinic that we later sourced to another NGO that has personnel on the ground. We opened our first tent clinic in Al Mawasi, Khan Younis on June 15th, 2024, which we hired two local Palestinian doctors and one nurse for. We already sent them their salaries for this month!

As of May 26, 2024, The UN reported that 1 million people were displaced from Rafah--most moved to Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah. Many are crammed in the Al Mawasi area. According to Oxfam, 500,000 people share 121 latrines which is the equivalent of 4,130 persons sharing each toilet. These conditions have major health implications. Furthermore, the WHO warned that more Gazans will die unless they receive medical treatment. 

Our goal now is to create more tent clinics in various underserved parts of Gaza to maximize our reach. Each tent clinic costs at least $27,000 to build and manage over six months. A physician's salary is $500/month, a nurse's is $400/month, and medicine at the bare minimum is $2500/month (not including advanced materials and supplies like IV catheters, suture kits, and IV fluid).

At the moment, it is challenging to get medications via Jordan, and Israel, but it is possible to purchase some from inside Gaza. Building a tent requires $2,500 for a basic structure without furniture. Tables, chairs, examination beds, and shelves cost an additional $1,000.

HMLUSA has plans to replicate this model and open up as many clinics as possible. Because we have very little overhead expenses, only 10% of funds raised will go towards administrative costs (compared to some non-profits that allot up to 25%). If we reach our goal of raising $200,000, we can open up 5 more clinics.

Due to the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system, which worsened following the evacuation of all Rafah hospitals and clinics, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are suffering from injuries and illnesses without treatment. Any facilities left standing, such as Al Aqsa Hospital and European Gaza Hospital, were already overcrowded and overwhelmed prior to the Rafah invasion. We believe our actions to create spaces where patients can be treated can prevent some hospitalizations, improve the overall health conditions of the population, and provide civilians with a safe space where they can be seen. 

In addition, providing salaries to Palestinian healthcare professionals gives them dignity, a means to provide for themselves and their families, a chance to save for their future, and shows solidarity from internationals. Many doctors and nurses in Gaza have not been paid since the war started 8 months ago. Most of them continued to work without pay. HMLUSA firmly believes in creating jobs wherever we go.  

In February 2024, we also established the Medical Emergencies Network in Gaza due to a growing demand for emergency medical assistance. Many citizens now rely on Instagram for support, as most are unaware of how to access healthcare services due to the destruction of most hospitals and lack of internet access. By networking with the few remaining hospitals and new and existing medical points, we have bridged the gap between social media users seeking help and on-the-ground medical services.

If you or someone you know in Gaza requires assistance, you can contact the Medical Emergencies Network here:

Instagram Messages: https://www.instagram.com/medical_emergencies_network

WhatsApp Helpline: https://wa.me/message/PS72LRJ565W4C1

Our medical services include:

•⁠ ⁠Medical Evacuation

•⁠ ⁠Medical Emergencies

•⁠ ⁠First Aid

•⁠ ⁠Medical Advice

•⁠ ⁠Hospital/Clinic Locations

•⁠ ⁠Emergency Medication

•⁠ ⁠Prescription Medication

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Years ago, I left bedside nursing and hospital administration in order to dedicate my life to humanitarian aid. I have a fierce passion for defending and helping those who are suffering injustice in this world. My heart bleeds for Gaza after what I've seen, heard, and felt. It is the worst humanitarian crisis I have ever experienced and the fact that civilians can't flee from this violence is inhumane. I've made it my own personal mission as well as that of my NGO's for us to stand by Palestine for the duration of this war. Even after, we won't abandon Gaza when the time comes for Palestinians to heal and rebuild. 

Please help us reach our goal of building and operating six clinics across Gaza by donating to this page. This achievement would allow us to see and treat about 700 patients per day as well as employ 24 Palestinian healthcare workers total.

Breakdown of costs for $200,000:

Follow our journey here:

www.hmlusa.org

www.instagram.com/helpmeliveusa

www.facebook.com/helpmeliveusa