By Nawaal Adams
The Gift of the Givers is reporting devastating scenes from Syria, where the humanitarian organisation is assisting hundreds of Syrians fleeing the war in eastern Aleppo. A 7 month malnourished baby girl from Aleppo arrived at the Gift of the Givers Ar Rahma Hospital in Idlib province on Monday, after her mother died in a bomb attack.
The Ar Rahma Hospital received the first patient from Aleppo on Friday, a man with colon and spinal column injuries from an aircraft attack. The 40 years old father was injured a year ago by a rocket in Aleppo and his son 16 years old injured by shrapnel in the lung.
“The atrocious bombings and chemical warfare have claimed the lives of many of the citizens of Aleppo. Within the last 48 hours a substantial amount of people have looked to the hospital for help. Children are overcome with fear and pain as they walk the streets of Aleppo searching for their parents. The death toll has risen to an unimaginable amount,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is Africa’s largest disaster relief group. Gift of the Givers has been assisting Aleppo with the evacuations and tirelessly helping the injured who seek much needed medical attention at the hospital in Idlib Province.
Dr Sooliman stated that they are currently expanding the primary healthcare clinics at the hospital. They are considering opening up the third floor of the hospital and moving the equipment to make space for more beds. A cafeteria has been opened up for all doctors and patients.
An agency from the UK has generously offered their help in the form of countless donations. These donations consist of plentiful medical supplies and equipment. The international support aims to both physically and emotionally support the doctors who diligently work for endless hours in order to save the people of Aleppo.
“The hospital’s safety is constantly being feared. As a precaution, a second hospital has been placed closer to the border. A third hospital, dedicated to women and children, is currently being considered,” said Dr Sooliman.
The Gift of the Givers urges the South African community to donate towards the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo.
For more information on donations please visit www.giftofthegivers.org or call Dr Sooliman on 083 23 64029. VOC
