DSPR Gaza Update–Jan. 22, 2009

daily Gaza update from DSPR

• DSPR Gaza secured a CBC Machine that does a complete set of blood tests in preparation for starting the new Shija’ia clinic.
• For the same purpose, an Ultra Sound Machine was ordered and the medical supllies company in Gaza promised delivery within a week.
• A list is being prepared with all medical supplies, laboratory equipment, furniture and other needs for the new clinic. Those items that can be procured in Gaza will be bought there; otherwise, DSPR Central Office will procure these from the West Bank.
• A couple of buildings in Shija’ia are being seriously considered to start the new clinic on rental basis, for the time being.
• A lot of land was found and reserved for warehousing. This is especially important since we are expecting the 100,000 water bottles to be transported within the week. As mentioned in yesterday’s update the bottled water is necessary for the baby milk.
• DSPR Gaza is readying itself for cooperation with Mental Health Community Center Gaza in order to help out with covering of the psycho social and post trauma needs of Gazans. While concentration would be in the clinics, training and exchange of information and referral possibilities would be coordinated with Mental Health organizations in the Gaza Strip.
• DSPR Gaza as part of its coordinated work in Mental Health would be hiring three new social workers and at least one mental health professional. Saturday a meeting is planned with Mental Health Organizations in Gaza to determine the who, where, when dynamics. Based on that meeting, DSPR Gaza would have a broader view of needs and thus would do its part within this broader view.
• DSPR Gaza in view of the extensive psyhcological trauma suffered by all groups in Gaza would welcome having mental health professionals from the West Bank or elsewhere, if they are not available in the Gaza Strip, but on condition that they are fluent Arabic speakers.
• Community workers who were involved in the DanChurchAid supplemental nutritional program would be at their station of work starting on Saturday with training and briefings.
• Our Vocational Training Centers are seeing some life as a number of students have already arrived but due to the fact that telephone lines and networks have been hit by the war, it was not possible to contact all of our students. Central Office in Gaza is attempting to contact each and every student and to inform them that schooling is going on.
• Our colleagues in Gaza are going about their work with zest and determination. Every time I talk to colleagues in Gaza I feel encouraged that their spirits are up and that the situation is not depressing them but rather challenging them to give and to support others. May they and all the people of Gaza be blessed.

Dr. Bernard Sabella
Executive Secretary
DSPR Central Office
Jerusalem