Title : Rebuilding the dermatological healthcare system in Gaza during and after war
Abstract:
The dermatological healthcare system in Gaza has been critically damaged due to ongoing warfare and what numerous international experts and human rights organizations have described as acts of genocide. The systematic targeting of medical infrastructure, blockade of essential supplies, and mass displacement of civilians have led to the near-total collapse of dermatological services. This presentation examines the severe consequences of this destruction on skin health care in Gaza—both amid the continuing military assault and in the vital post-conflict reconstruction period. We begin with testimonies from two frontline health workers who have been operating within Gaza since the onset of the war. Their firsthand accounts provide a rare and urgent window into the challenges of delivering dermatological care under extreme conditions—treating patients in overcrowded places without access to clean water, medication, or functioning clinics. They will highlight the sharp increase in preventable skin conditions such as scabies, bacterial infections, and eczema, particularly among displaced populations living in unsanitary and high-stress environments. The second part of the presentation proposes a series of actionable strategies for restoring dermatological care in Gaza, tailored to both immediate and long-term needs. Urgent interventions include the deployment of mobile dermatology units, the integration of teledermatology to connect with global specialists, and rapid training programs for general healthcare providers to identify and treat common skin diseases. In the post-war recovery phase, efforts must prioritize the reconstruction and enhancement of medical infrastructure, ensure consistent access to dermatological medications, and establish sustainable education and training pathways for local healthcare professionals.
