Severe Malnutrition Case of Gazan Girl Treated in UAE
12-year-old Rahaf Ayyad receives life-saving care after evacuation from Gaza.
A 12-year-old girl from Gaza, Rahaf Ayyad, is currently receiving crucial treatment for severe malnutrition and associated health complications at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Her admission on May 14 followed an evacuation flight that transported 101 patients from Gaza, accompanied by 87 family members.
Upon arrival, medical professionals warned of impending heart failure and possible death due to Rahaf's critical condition.
She had experienced significant hair loss, an inability to walk or raise her arms, and suffered from regular seizures.
Her malnutrition had led to a hollowed appearance and the deterioration of her dental health.
Dr. Tawfik Hen, a general paediatric consultant involved in her care, noted the extraordinary severity of her malnutrition, stating, "At that point, if Rahaf had not got treatment immediately, she would have died.
I have never seen such severe malnutrition like in Rahaf’s case." A comprehensive team of medical practitioners was required to stabilize her condition, which has seen notable improvement since her admission.
Rahaf has regained some strength and mobility, recently expressing her joy at the return of her growing hair and her longing to engage in play and education.
Rahaf Ayyad is the second eldest among seven siblings, with her eldest brother, Mohamed, aged 17, being her favorite family member.
Her mother, Shroog Ayyad, has indicated that the family eagerly awaits her return to them at the Emirates Humanitarian City.
A pivotal moment in this case was a video recorded by a doctor in Gaza, which prompted the intervention of UAE authorities to facilitate Rahaf's evacuation.
The primary contributors to Rahaf's critical health status included a lack of food and protein, compounded by kidney issues and vitamin deficiencies.
In her previous statements, Rahaf described an ongoing feeling of weakness, detailing how daily activities became increasingly difficult.
The Israeli blockade, which restricts the entry of food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza, exacerbated her condition.
In early May, Shroog Ayyad appealed for assistance from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab nations, leading to the UAE's humanitarian response.
Shroog Ayyad expressed profound gratitude toward the UAE for providing vital care to her daughter, describing the assistance as a lifeline.
Rahaf is expected to be discharged from the hospital within the next two weeks.
Amid her recovery, discussions surrounding a ceasefire plan proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff are underway.
The implementation of this agreement, if accepted by Hamas, could lead to an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.
Proposed arrangements indicate the mobilization of 1,000 lorries daily to address the acute needs of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, grappling with widespread hunger and shortages of essential supplies.
Her admission on May 14 followed an evacuation flight that transported 101 patients from Gaza, accompanied by 87 family members.
Upon arrival, medical professionals warned of impending heart failure and possible death due to Rahaf's critical condition.
She had experienced significant hair loss, an inability to walk or raise her arms, and suffered from regular seizures.
Her malnutrition had led to a hollowed appearance and the deterioration of her dental health.
Dr. Tawfik Hen, a general paediatric consultant involved in her care, noted the extraordinary severity of her malnutrition, stating, "At that point, if Rahaf had not got treatment immediately, she would have died.
I have never seen such severe malnutrition like in Rahaf’s case." A comprehensive team of medical practitioners was required to stabilize her condition, which has seen notable improvement since her admission.
Rahaf has regained some strength and mobility, recently expressing her joy at the return of her growing hair and her longing to engage in play and education.
Rahaf Ayyad is the second eldest among seven siblings, with her eldest brother, Mohamed, aged 17, being her favorite family member.
Her mother, Shroog Ayyad, has indicated that the family eagerly awaits her return to them at the Emirates Humanitarian City.
A pivotal moment in this case was a video recorded by a doctor in Gaza, which prompted the intervention of UAE authorities to facilitate Rahaf's evacuation.
The primary contributors to Rahaf's critical health status included a lack of food and protein, compounded by kidney issues and vitamin deficiencies.
In her previous statements, Rahaf described an ongoing feeling of weakness, detailing how daily activities became increasingly difficult.
The Israeli blockade, which restricts the entry of food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza, exacerbated her condition.
In early May, Shroog Ayyad appealed for assistance from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab nations, leading to the UAE's humanitarian response.
Shroog Ayyad expressed profound gratitude toward the UAE for providing vital care to her daughter, describing the assistance as a lifeline.
Rahaf is expected to be discharged from the hospital within the next two weeks.
Amid her recovery, discussions surrounding a ceasefire plan proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff are underway.
The implementation of this agreement, if accepted by Hamas, could lead to an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.
Proposed arrangements indicate the mobilization of 1,000 lorries daily to address the acute needs of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, grappling with widespread hunger and shortages of essential supplies.
Translation:
Translated by AI
