"Some children think that their legs might grow again. Sometimes it's difficult to explain that that's not going to happen." - Noor, Humanity & Inclusion staff member

In January of this year, HI opened the Nahla Prosthetics & Orthotics Center in Khan Younis, which provides temporary prosthetic devices for individuals in need. It was named after our late colleague Nahla, who was tragically killed along with her children in December 2023 while seeking shelter in the Al Nuseirat refugee camp. 

This work is extremely vital. Civilians are being caught in the crossfire with nowhere safe left to go. Over a year and a half of relentless bombing and shelling will leave an entire generation of people injured, maimed and with permanent disabilities. In fact, Gaza is now disproportionately home to people with amputations.

Humanity & Inclusion's local teams have been working in Gaza since 1996, and are still on the ground responding to this humanitarian crisis. Humanity & Inclusion works in many ways to help people with disabilities, but what makes us unique is our work with prosthetics and orthotics. It’s actually the reason we were founded in 1982 – to fit Cambodia refugees injured by landmines with prosthetics made of bamboo and leather straps. And that work continues today.

We recently caught up with our colleague, Heba, a mother of two young daughters, who works as a Prosthetics Specialist at the center. Every day, she balances her humanitarian work, her family, and the constant danger that surrounds her. "When I’m at work, I’m always thinking about my family," shared Heba. "But knowing I have a purpose, and that people depend on me, gives me the strength to carry on."

Recently, we received an evacuation order from Israeli forces, forcing the closure of the prothesis & orthosis center. But despite ongoing barriers, our teams refuse to give up. We are currently relocating these crucial services to our Zuwaida office, setting up tents to serve those in need. Our teams are also exploring solutions to ensure continuous access for patients, including bus transport and mobile fittings if security allows.

With health facilities under attack and humanitarian needs growing by the day, your support is needed now more than ever.​​​​​​​