Anera’s Wound Management Clinic in Khan Younis, Gaza | A Report

Gaza's healthcare system, already strained by years of blockade, conflict, and limited resources, has reached a breaking point amid the ongoing war. In response to this urgent crisis, Anera established a wound management clinic in Khan Younis, dedicated to providing specialized care for wound treatment, infection prevention and diabetic foot care-especially for patients suffering from conflict-related injuries. The clinic plays a critical role in delivering essential follow-up care and helping to alleviate the overwhelming demand on Gaza's hospitals, which are compelled to prioritize life-saving emergencies over routine medical needs due to severe resource shortages.

A Lifeline for Wound Care in Southern Gaza

The wound management clinic was first established in Rafah, one of the most affected areas in Gaza where displaced families have taken refuge. The goal was to ease the burden on emergency rooms by providing specialized wound care outside of hospitals, enabling them to focus on critical cases. However, due to the threat of an Israeli invasion in the area, the clinic had to relocate to western Khan Younis, a supposed 'humanitarian zone' hosting thousands of displaced people living in temporary shelters. Even in this area, the daily threat of violence and airstrikes remains high, making the clinic's operations both challenging and critical.

Comprehensive Care for Complex Needs

The wound management clinic serves as a specialized care center for a range of injuries and conditions:

Wound Dressing and Stitching: The clinic provides dressing and suturing for all types of injuries, including those caused by bombings and accidents. Proper wound care is essential in preventing infections and promoting healing, especially given the shortage of medical facilities.

Follow-up Care: Patients who have previously received emergency treatment for serious injuries are often unable to access further care. The wound management clinic offers follow-up consultations to ensure proper recovery, reducing the risk of complications.

Diabetic Foot Care: With a high prevalence of diabetes in Gaza, diabetic foot conditions are common and require careful management to prevent severe outcomes, such as infections or even amputation. The clinic provides this specialized care, addressing a significant gap in Gaza's healthcare system.

Home Visits for Bedridden Patients: For patients who cannot travel to the clinic due to mobility issues, Anera's team conducts outreach visits to provide essential wound care at home. This service is particularly valuable for elderly or people with disabilities, ensuring that even the most vulnerable receive proper treatment.

A Dedicated Team in a Challenging Environment

Staffed by a skilled and committed team, the clinic includes three professional nurses, two newly graduated nurses who have been trained on-site, a data entry specialist, a guard for security, and a cleaner to maintain a sterile environment. This dedicated staff allows the clinic to provide high-quality wound care, even under challenging conditions. Supplies for the clinic, including examination beds, dressings, and sterile materials, are donated by Anera's partners and supporters, who recognize the urgent need for such a facility in Gaza.

Meeting Escalating Needs

Since its inception, the wound management clinic has seen a steady increase in patient visits, reflecting the growing demand for wound care services. The clinic started with 466 patients in May and grew to serve over 1,300 patients by August. Each month, the number of consultations has risen, with thousands of follow-up visits conducted as patients require ongoing care.

Patients, Follow-ups, and Consultations by Month: The below chart shows the growth in the number of patients treated, follow-up appointments conducted, and total consultations over five months (May through September). Notably, August saw the highest demand, with over 1,300 patients and more than 4,300 consultations, reflecting an increased need due to mass displacement in the region.

The clinic's monthly data illustrates the scale of need:

• May 2024: 466 patients and 970 consultations. The most common injury treated was cuts, accounting for over 30% of all cases.
• June 2024: 955 patients, a 104% increase from May, with infected wounds representing over 40% of cases. This jump underscores the urgent need for infection control and clean water access in the area.
• July 2024: 1,179 patients, with infected wounds increasing to over 50% of cases, further emphasizing the role of poor sanitation in wound complications.
• August 2024: 1,312 patients, with consultations skyrocketing to 4,327. The influx of patients in August was partly due to mass evacuations in Khan Younis, which pushed displaced people into the area served by the clinic.
• September 2024: 1,030 patients, with infected wounds still dominating. Although the number of cases decreased slightly, infections remained a primary concern.

Infected wounds have consistently been the most common type of injury, increasing sharply from May to August, with a slight decrease in September. The high prevalence of infections reflects the impact of poor sanitation and limited access to clean water in Gaza. Cuts, burns, and diabetic foot conditions are also common, highlighting the range of care needed to address both conflict-related injuries and chronic conditions.

The Impact of Sanitation and Water Shortages

One of the most significant challenges in Gaza's healthcare crisis amid the war is the lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation. This has resulted in soaring infection rates for wounds. The wound management clinic has witnessed firsthand how inadequate hygiene exacerbates injuries, turning simple cuts into severe infections. While Anera's clinic provides continuous care to help mitigate these effects, the situation underscores the urgent need for an end to the war, allowing for the proper addressing, repair, and rebuilding of water and sanitation infrastructure.

Alleviating Pressure on Hospitals

By managing wound care outside hospital settings, the wound management clinic allows Gaza's hospitals to focus their resources on emergency cases and life-saving procedures. Right now in Gaza, hospitals are forced to discharge patients prematurely to free up space. The wound management clinic provides a critical safety net. Patients who would otherwise be unable to access ongoing care receive the attention they need to recover, preventing complications that could lead to more severe health issues.

The clinic's impact has been significant in preserving Gaza's limited medical resources. By handling wound follow-ups and less critical cases, the clinic helps hospitals save essential supplies for emergencies. This setup is especially important given the limited access to medical supplies and the frequent closure of hospitals, which have left many areas in Gaza without adequate healthcare services.

Remaining on the Frontlines

Anera remains dedicated to supporting the people of southern Gaza through its wound management clinic in Khan Younis, despite the risks and operational challenges. By providing specialized care in underserved areas, Anera ensures that thousands of vulnerable individuals receive the treatment they urgently need. The clinic's work is vital as Gaza's hospitals struggle to meet the demand for medical services and face the threat of complete shutdowns due to Israeli military operations.

Anera's clinic continues to provide hope and essential healthcare in one of the world's most challenging regions. As the need for wound care and infection prevention grows, the clinic stands as a testament to the perseverance of Gaza's healthcare workers and the critical support provided by Anera, its donors, and partners. This initiative not only addresses the immediate health crisis but also helps build a more sustainable healthcare response for the future.

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