More public support needed for MSF life-saving relief efforts in war-torn regions

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The conflict in Gaza, which started in October 2023, has completely crippled the local healthcare system, leading to significant casualties. Krystal So, midwife activity manager for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), assisted Gazans during two stints at Nasser Hospital in May and September this year, despite the heavy bombardment damaging healthcare facilities.

In Gaza, more than 10,000 hours have passed with the sounds of fighter jets becoming daily background noise, and there has been no moment of peace, Krystal reflected.

“In more than a year, no miracles have occurred, and there hasn’t been enough food or drinking water. Gazans have had to flee from the war multiple times, moving their entire families. They endure the scorching summer and the harsh winter in tents, but cannot escape the bombs falling from the sky,” she recounts. “They watch helplessly as family members, children, parents, and best friends die around them.”

In many cultures, the birth of newborns symbolises hope. But hope is exactly what is lacking among the displaced Gazans.Krystal recounted that buildings would frequently shake at night due to bombings. She once witnessed the hospital entrance being bombed, and heard shootings near the clinic. What saddened her more is that two local colleagues lost their lives in the conflict during her second stint in Gaza. She admitted feeling “very heavy-hearted” upon learning of her colleagues’ deaths, and the entire team couldn’t function for half a day. The things she witnessed constantly reminded herself of the reason behind her return: “It’s because they are facing these difficulties and harsh realities, so I want to continue to learn, help, and work together with them.”

“In more than a year, people have heard hysterical screams, smelled the stench of blood, shed endless tears, and witnessed people covered in scars,” Krystal notes. “The merciless war has gone too far, shattering the dreams of an entire society…