In Rafah, over 1.5 million displaced people face a growing health crisis which is putting a significant burden on the healthcare system. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads the Health Cluster response on the ground, is working with 45 partner organizations to provide critical healthcare services.

One of the key Health Cluster partners, International Medical Corps (IMC), has constructed a field hospital on the border between Khan Younis and Rafah to help address the shortage of healthcare facilities. The IMC field hospital is an EMT Type 2 facility and provides various medical services, from outpatient primary health care to specialized services like emergency medical care, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, and in-patient treatment. Over 250 healthcare professionals work at the IMC field hospital, with the majority being locally recruited staff.

Médecins Sans Frontières has established a medical point in the Al-Mawasi area to serve over 10,000 displaced people sheltering there. The medical point sees many cases of childhood illness but also treats non-communicable diseases and provides support to mothers with newborn and young children. For example, to help ensure proper infant and young child feeding, a checklist is used for counseling mothers, which has been effective in helping those who struggle to breastfeed. Following up on feeding activities and proper use of the checklist is a priority.

WHO supports the medical point with critical medicines and supplies, however, the response effort requires continued coordination to fully meet the health needs of the displaced communities in Rafah.