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The realities on the ground in Rafah

The killing of seven World Central Kitchen staff on April 1st 2024, brought significant attention to the extreme insecurity Palestinian and international aid workers and civilians alike have faced in Gaza since October 7th. The attack showed that: no one is safe in Gaza. On April 6th, following the outcry of Member States, the Government of Israel made seven commitments in a reported effort to increase humanitarian access into Gaza.

As humanitarian agencies with staff in Gaza working around the clock under impossible conditions, we note that the majority of the announced measures have not been implemented, nor has a timeline for implementation been announced. Even if fully met, the realisation of these commitments alone would still not provide the conditions for safe, unhindered, principled humanitarian access. To roll back six months of starvation and the collapse of all services and infrastructure amid catastrophic conditions requires much more than mere logistical facilitation: what is needed is a massive flow of humanitarian aid and an immediate and sustained ceasefire.

Only an immediate, sustained ceasefire, full adherence to international humanitarian law, and the opening of all entry points to Gaza for humanitarian and commercial supplies, including for banking, will allow civilians’ basic human needs to be met.

Read our full joint response.

Doctors of the World statement on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

23 April 2024 – The UK Parliament has voted to pass the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, creating a law which effectively undermines the Refugee Convention.

This policy, which forcibly expels people arriving in the UK in search of safety, is drawn directly from Australia’s ‘offshoring’ model – an approach which has caused catastrophic and irreparable physical and mental consequences for the men, women and children affected.

In November 2023 the UK Supreme Court ruled that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda presents a risk of mistreatment including a risk of refoulement.

Doctors of the World UK continually highlighted the negative impact the Bill would have on the health, wellbeing and dignity of people seeking safety in the UK. We are deeply concerned that many of our patients are now at risk of being forcibly removed to Rwanda.

Refugees should not be made to survive more violence, persecution or trauma. We call on the UK government to abandon this harmful policy, and to establish safe routes to the UK and a fair and efficient asylum system.

For more details see our briefing on the medical consequences of the Safety of Rwanda Asylum and Immigration Bill.

#StopRwanda : Our letter to Parliament opposing the ‘Safety of Rwanda’ Bill

As representatives of medical humanitarian and healthcare organisations, we call on the Government to urgently abandon its plans to push through its ‘Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill’, which risks exposing men, women, including pregnant women, and children to irreparable harm. The UK medical community has on multiple occasions condemned this approach, which would enable the forcible and permanent expulsion of people seeking safety in the UK, as unconscionable on medical and humanitarian grounds. It risks leaving vulnerable people, who are fleeing dangerous situations including torture and trafficking, subject to an environment where they are re-traumatised and unable to access the medical attention they may desperately need.

International examples of similar policies have led to wide-scale abuse and been found to cause catastrophic mental and physical harm. This is clearly evidenced than by Australia’s disastrous offshoring and indefinite detention policy on Manus Island and Nauru which resulted in a mental health epidemic amongst those asylum seekers and refugees expelled to the island, including high rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Médecins Sans Frontières teams working on Nauru documented some of the worst mental health suffering they’d seen in the organisation’s 50 year history.

In the UK, Medical Justice clinicians have found that the prospect of removal to Rwanda has triggered fear, uncertainty and confusion and exacerbated the mental health conditions – including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression – of the men, women and age-disputed children threatened with removal, causing increased risks of self-harm and suicide. 

In light of the physical and mental harm that will result from forcibly expelling people seeking safety in the UK to Rwanda or anywhere outside the UK, the medical community opposes the principle of this approach on medical, ethical and humanitarian grounds. Rather than pursuing this inhumane and impractical proposal, the UK Government must immediately abandon this plan and prioritise the development of a fair, humane and effective asylum system, which respects the fundamental rights, health and dignity of people seeking safety in the UK. 

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Simon Tyler, Executive Director of Doctors of the World UK, said 

“As medical and humanitarian organisations, we are calling on the Government for a change of approach. Our doctors are seeing people who arrive in this country in real need of safety, and in some cases medical attention. They have experienced war, abuse, violence or torture and endured the most terrible hardship on their way here. As a country, we are capable of providing a humane and well organised response. Health can start here, not in Rwanda.”

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Signatories

• Simon Tyler, Executive Director, Doctors of the World
• Professor Andrew Rowland, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Officer for Child Protection  
• Dr Jan Wise, Chair of Medical Ethics Committee,The British Medical Association 
• Gill Walton CBE, CEO & General Secretary of Royal College of Midwives
• Dr Trudi Seneviratne OBE, Registrar, Royal College of Psychiatrists.
• Dr Ranee Thakar, President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Sheila Sobrany, President of the Royal College of Nursing
• Professor Kevin Fenton, President Faculty of Public Health
• Emma Ginn, Director of Medical Justice 
• Kerry Smith, Chief Executive, Helen Bamber Foundation
• Ros Bragg, Director of Maternity Action

Destruction of our NGO office in Gaza City

Doctors of the World condemns in the strongest possible terms the deliberate destruction of its offices in Gaza City. No NGO staff or civilians were inside when the building was demolished. This attack, which took place a few days ago, is a further demonstration of the blatant violations of international humanitarian law that are taking place on a daily basis in the Gaza Strip.

According to information provided by Doctors of the World teams on the ground, the organisation’s offices in the al-Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City were deliberately destroyed a few days ago. Doctors of the World received no warning of the attack, even though the offices were clearly identified as those of a humanitarian organisation, and the address of the building had been shared with the Israeli body responsible for coordinating with NGOs, to ensure that it would not be targeted.

Only a few days ago, one of our team members and their whole family were sheltering in this office. For days, they barricaded themselves inside using cupboards, as they could hear many civilians being killed and were surrounded by explosions. On February 3rd, soldiers entered the Doctors of the World offices and removed elderly people, women and children. The men were subjected to extremely degrading and humiliating methods, with soldiers forcing them to leave naked.

Doctors of the World then had no news of its offices until it received shocking images clearly showing that the building housing the NGO’s offices had been deliberately destroyed. “Once again, we are outraged by what appears to be a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. The destruction of our offices is further proof that absolutely nowhere is safe in Gaza. NGO buildings are being demolished, humanitarian aid is insufficient, and civilians continue to die every day. Demolishing the infrastructures of NGOs is another way of limiting or even preventing humanitarian aid from being organised,” condemns Helena Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Doctors of the World France.

Doctors of the World reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, which is the only way to end the current humanitarian disaster and to protect civilians, healthcare staff, and facilities.

Doctors of the World at UK mass asylum containment site

Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK, have launched a new service, providing primary healthcare to people seeking asylum who are accommodated at the former RAF site in Wethersfield, Essex. The service is run in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This collaboration marks the first time MSF has extended its reach to those seeking asylum in the UK. 

The large-scale containment site at RAF Wethersfield has prompted concerns about the residents’ physical and mental well-being. Whilst there is a medical centre providing primary healthcare onsite, the men we’ve spoken to tell us their specific health needs are not being met for various reasons.   

RAF Wethersfield is an extremely remote site, miles from any big town and cut off from the community. It is heavily surveilled with cameras, guards, surrounded by chain link fence and barbed wire. The site is perceived as a prison by the population.  

These conditions, resembling those of the containment site at Napier military barracks and the Bibby Stockholm Barge, take a toll on the mental health of the men we are meeting who have fled from countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria and Iran. They often feel left in limbo and alone, and experience worsening mental health since arriving at the former military base. The harsh realities of large-scale containment sites mirror the disastrous approach of the Greek government in Lesbos where Doctors of the World also operates.

With asylum claims in limbo and the Home Office planning to increase the resident count from 650 to 1,700, we are highly concerned about deteriorating mental health. With this new project and mobile clinic on site every week, Doctors of the World seeks to provide support and advocacy to those living in Wethersfield.  

Simon Tyler, Doctors of the World UK Executive Director: “A consequence of the broken asylum system is that we are now seeing people forced into containment sites that operate like open prisons. These camps are not a sustainable solution for anyone there stuck in limbo, or the local communities. But an efficient and safe process can exist to allow people to rebuild, be active, and look after their own health. Our medical team on the ground is supporting those affected access medical care as needed.”  

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Press contact: media@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk

Our Call to Stop Arms Transfers to Israel and Palestinian Armed Groups

An Open Call to all UN Member States to stop fuelling the crisis in Gaza and avert further humanitarian catastrophe and loss of civilian life.

We, the undersigned organisations, call on all States to immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to Israel and Palestinian armed groups while there is risk they are used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.

Israel’s bombardment and siege are depriving the civilian population of the basics to survive and rendering Gaza uninhabitable. Today, the civilian population in Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented severity and scale.

Furthermore, Palestinian armed group-led attacks killed around 1,200 people and took hundreds of Israeli and foreign hostages, including children, and continue to hold more than 130 hostages captive inside Gaza. Armed groups in Gaza have continued to indiscriminately fire rockets toward population centers in Israel, disrupting school for children, displacing and threatening the lives and well being of civilians. Hostage-taking and indiscriminate attacks are violations of international humanitarian law and must end immediately.

Humanitarian agencies, human rights groups, United Nations officials, and more than 153 member states have called for an immediate ceasefire. However, Israel continues to use explosive weapons and munitions in densely populated areas with massive humanitarian consequences for the people of Gaza.  World leaders have urged the Israeli government to reduce civilian casualties, yet Israeli military operations in Gaza continue to kill people at unprecedented levels, according to recent remarks by the UN Secretary-General. Member states have a legal responsibility to use all possible tools to leverage better protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law. Gaza’s remaining lifeline – an internationally-funded humanitarian aid response – has been paralyzed by the intensity of the hostilities, which have included the shooting of aid convoys, recurrent communications blackouts, damaged roads, restrictions on essential supplies, an almost complete ban on commercial supplies, and a bureaucratic process to send aid into Gaza.  

Israel’s military activity has destroyed a substantial portion of Gaza’s homes, schools, hospitals, water infrastructure, shelters, and refugee camps; the indiscriminate nature of these bombings and, a pattern of apparently disproportionate civilian harm they routinely cause, is unacceptable. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of the “heightened risk of atrocity crimes” being committed in Gaza and called on all states to prevent such crimes from unfolding. Since this call, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has only deteriorated further:

• More than 25,000 Palestinians, at least 10,000 of them children, have been killed in less than four months, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. Thousands more are buried under the rubble and presumed dead.
• More than 62,000 people have been injured, many with life-changing injuries that will leave them with permanent disabilities; these include more than 1,000 Palestinian children who have lost one or more of their upper or lower limbs. 
• An unknown number of Palestinian civilians, reportedly including children, have been unlawfully detained, according to the UN, and must be released.

• Palestinians continue to be killed nearly every day in areas the Israeli government told them to flee. In the first week of 2024, an Israeli airstrike killed 14 people – the majority children – near an area Israeli forces prescribed as a “humanitarian zone.”  
• Over 85% of Gaza’s population, around 1.9 million people, has been forcibly displaced. Many followed Israeli-issued orders to relocate south and are now being squeezed into tiny pockets of land that cannot sustain human life, which have become breeding ground for the spread of disease.
• More than half of a million Palestinians in Gaza face starvation and more than 90%  of the population faces acute food insecurity, the highest proportion ever recorded by a technical humanitarian body responsible for making evidence-based assessments of food insecurity.
• More than 70%  of Gaza’s homes, much of its schools, and its water and sanitation infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged and left the population with almost no access to clean water.
• Not a single medical facility in the enclave is fully operational and those partially functioning are overwhelmed with trauma cases and shortages of medical supplies and doctors. More than 300 health workers have been killed.
• At least 167* aid workers in Gaza have been killed, the highest of any conflict in this century.

Gaza today is the most dangerous place to be a child, a journalist, and an aid worker. Hospitals and schools should never become battlegrounds. These conditions have created a situation of utter desperation inside Gaza, leading top aid officials to declare that there are no longer the conditions for a meaningful humanitarian response in Gaza. This will not change until the siege, the bombardment and the fighting ends. The United Nations recently described humanitarian access in January so far as a “significant deterioration.” Israeli forces have repeatedly denied permission for aid convoys to reach areas north of Wadi Gaza where people are at the highest risk of starvation.

In recent weeks, high ranking Israeli officials have begun calling for the deportation of Palestinian civilians out of Gaza. The forcible transfer within Gaza and deportation of a portion of the population across borders, lacking any guarantees of return, would constitute a serious violation of international law, amounting to an atrocity crime.

We demand an immediate ceasefire and call on all states to halt the transfer of weapons that can be used to commit violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The UN Security Council must fulfill its responsibility to maintain global peace and security by adopting measures to halt the transfer of weapons to the Government of Israel and Palestinian armed groups and prevent the supply of arms that risk being used in the commission of international crimes, effective immediately. 

All states have the obligation to prevent atrocity crimes and promote adherence to norms that protect civilians. The international community is long overdue to live up to these commitments. 

Editor’s Note

• The total number of aid workers killed includes staff members of UN agencies, NGOs, as well as the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Figures on the annual number of aid workers killed in other context can be found on the Aid Worker Security Database. 

Undersigned

1. Federation Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion
2. War Child Alliance
3. Christian Aid
4. Norwegian People’s Aid 
5. Doctors of the World / Médecins du Monde International Network
6. Mennonite Central Committee
7. medico international
8. Oxfam 
9. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
10. Danish Refugee Council
11. Save the Children 
12. Plan International
13. Norwegian Refugee Council
14. Diakonia
15. Amnesty International
16. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Escalation of Violence in Northeast Syria: Health Centers Without Electricity

The Northeast Syria NGO Forum (NES Forum), of which Doctors of the World is apart of, condemns an escalation of violence that has significantly impacted the civilian infrastructure, crucial for the population in this region. Power plants, water stations, and gas and fuel facilities have been repeatedly targeted.

NES Forum’s Urgent Appeal for International Action

The latest surge in attacks has expanded its targets to include frequently used routes by humanitarian personnel. With water and electricity infrastructure severely damaged in the October attacks, the current escalation has further devastated what remained of several essential civilian infrastructures.

Between January 13 and 16, 2024, 40 confirmed attacks have occurred across northeast Syria, resulting in at least six civilians injured in this escalation alone. Additionally, at least 26 key buildings and structures have been impacted or are out of service. At the peak of the escalation on January 15, 92% of humanitarian actors providing vital services, including health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene, reported movement restrictions in the region.

The NES Forum calls on all parties in the conflict to immediately cease all hostilities, and urges the international community to recognize the violations of International Humanitarian Law occurring in northeast Syria.

The principles of international humanitarian law and human rights ensure the protection of lives, properties, and civilian infrastructure. Attacks on civilian persons and property constitute a violation of customary international humanitarian law, compelling states to end such violations. Humanitarian organisations cannot respond adequately to the level of devastation caused by each escalation of hostilities. Condemning these attacks, repairing damaged infrastructure, and protecting civilian lives are essential.

Impact of Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure: A Detailed Assessment

The damage to the energy infrastructure from this recent round of airstrikes will further limit civilian access to water and electricity. In this round, six power plants were impacted, and the significant Swediyeh fuel station, serving over 920,000 people, is now completely inoperative. Four electricity transfer substations in Hasakah are also entirely out of service. This has isolated the Alouk water station from the grid, rendering 96 wells inoperable and putting the remaining 80 at risk of running out of fuel, jeopardising water access for over 815,076 inhabitants in northeast Syria.

Numerous facilities dependent on Swediyeh’s supply, including water stations, health infrastructure, and other vital services, are now without electricity. Over 38 bakeries have ceased operations, along with various silos and mills. Swediyeh was also the sole gas producer in NES, causing an immediate halt in gas production for cooking. An attack on a transfer station in Ain Al Arab resulted in a widespread blackout in the city, 400 surrounding villages, and 150 villages in Ain Issa. Over 1 million inhabitants in eleven major cities and towns, as well as more than 2,750 villages and 1,900 schools, are now without electricity.

The risk of not having access to clean water, cooking and heating fuel could lead to avoidable deaths. The transportation of essential items like medical supplies and food baskets, as well as the supply of energy to key facilities such as health centers and medical equipment operation, will also be affected.

The attacks have also led to the suspension of diesel and kerosene production and distribution, the most commonly used fuels for winter heating. The national oil provider announced on January 16 that all fuel operations and production have been suspended, leaving no fuel available or in the distribution process, even in the facilities of the Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (AANES). There are already reports of shortages in the Jazeera region, where generators are running on reduced schedules.

Displaced persons’ camps were notified on January 15 of an indefinite and immediate suspension of fuel distribution, leaving residents without means to cook or heat in the coming days. Additionally, thousands of farmers rely on fuel to operate irrigation equipment, threatening fragile food security and livelihoods in the region.

Challenges Faced by Humanitarian Organisations in the Current Context

Even humanitarian organisations themselves will face increasing difficulties in providing the much-needed support to communities as resources dwindle and costs rise. The scarcity, heightened operational risks, and security concerns for both staff and beneficiary populations will be such that the continuity of NGO service delivery cannot be guaranteed without a resolution to the current limitations or a cessation of hostilities.

The damage suffered by civilian infrastructure to date cannot be repaired solely within the humanitarian response framework. Organizations are constrained by both limited resources and political restrictions. The nature of the destruction necessitates large-scale repairs, and the impact of sustained losses of electricity, fuel, and water cannot be addressed with programs already stretched to meet the needs of a population that has been suffering for years.

The NES Forum appeals to the international community to negotiate a political solution and end the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure. Investments in the region and the humanitarian response are repeatedly undermined, and the safety of both civilians and humanitarian personnel is increasingly at risk.

New attack on healthcare facilities in Syria

Drone attacks have rendered the health center in Kobanî, Syria unusable, where Doctors of the World have been working since 2020, caring for over 110,000 people. No personal injuries have been reported, but significant damage to infrastructure has occurred.

What happened?

• On December 27th 2024, various towns in northeast Syria were hit by multiple airstrikes by the Turkish military, impacting civilian infrastructure, including the Mishtaneur health center, where our organisation operates.
• Indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, and we call for the protection of healthcare infrastructure and health workers in this area, affected by over 12 years of conflict.

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Various locations in northeast Syria have been targeted by the Turkish military using drones and aerial artillery. Multiple targets, including a fuel company, factories, power plants, and shops, have resulted in a total of six deaths and nine injuries.

Drone attacks have also rendered the Mishtaneur health center in Kobanî unusable, where we have been operating since 2020, providing services to over 110,000 people. While there have been no injuries, significant damage to our infrastructure has occurred.

The affected areas of this center include healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, sexual and reproductive health, including a delivery room, pharmacy, warehouse, and waiting room. All medical equipment, medications, vaccines, consumables, hygiene materials, furniture, and tools, as well as mental health and psychosocial support equipment, including a children’s area, have been destroyed.

Additionally, it has been reported that another hospital specialising in dialysis and a medical oxygen factory have suffered another attack. This center, established in 2021 by health authorities, aimed to provide services to the entire region.

What is the humanitarian need in Syria?

More than 16 million people (25% more since 2022) depend on humanitarian assistance in a context where needs are increasing, while available funding is decreasing (in 2023, only 33.8% of the required funding for humanitarian needs in Syria was covered, and the health sector received only 20% of the necessary funding). Attacks like yesterday’s only worsen the living conditions of the Syrian population and displaced individuals, impacting their access to fundamental human rights, especially the right to health.

“Our organisation’s teams on the ground witness the rapid spread of epidemics such as cholera, measles, leishmaniasis, unknown acute respiratory infections, among others, affecting thousands of people in Syria. Particularly in densely populated internally displaced settlements, where poor hygiene conditions are high-risk factors for epidemic transmission, as well as for the exacerbation of basic health problems,” says Nicolás Dotta, General Director of Doctors of the World Spain.

More than a decade of conflict has forced many professionals to flee the country, leaving health centers and hospitals without sufficient staff, especially specialists like midwives, to meet the growing health needs of the Syrian population. Currently, only 61% of hospitals and 61% of primary care centers are operational in Syria. Since early 2023, over 50 health centers have closed primarily due to lack of funding.

“Indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law. We call for respecting and preserving the integrity of infrastructure and healthcare personnel in this area, affected by over 12 years of conflict. States party to the Geneva Conventions are obligated to respect and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and must exert their influence, to the extent possible, to end IHL violations,” adds Dotta.

The response of Doctors of the World

Our teams on the ground are conducting damage assessments and exploring alternatives for services to continue. Our team and operations will be temporarily moved to other nearby primary healthcare centers to provide support, always under Doctors of the World’s safety protocols.

We are doing our best to minimise the impact that the damage done to our facility on access to healthcare. We are concerned that vaccination processes, diabetes care, and psychological support will be particularly affected.

Doctors of the World deplores and condemns the murder of one of its staff in Gaza

Maysara Rayyes, an emergency doctor and medical supervisor who worked for Doctors of the World for two years, was killed, along with several members of his family, when his building was bombed in Gaza on 5 November 2023.

Our deepest condolences and sympathy go to his family and to our team, who have been through horrific events for the last several weeks.

We have time and time again condemned the incessant and indiscriminate bombing by the Israeli army, which continues to kill civilians, our humanitarian colleagues, and healthcare workers. This is a tragic reminder that a ceasefire is vital to end the massacre.

Maysara Rayyes was 28 years old and lived in the north of the Gaza Strip. After studying medicine in London, he chose to return to practice in Gaza.

With elderly parents and parents-in-law with reduced mobility, Maysara was unable to heed the Israeli army’s orders to travel to the south. He tried to take shelter near hospitals to protect himself, but nowhere was spared.

After his house was bombed, Maysara Rayyes, his family, and other Gazans remained under the rubble for more than 48 hours. Rescue bulldozers were delayed due to a lack of fuel, essential to the work of hospitals, ambulances, and research operations. The rescue mission then had to be interrupted due to additional bombing in the area.

Doctors of the World will not accept the treatment of people who have remained in the north of the Gaza Strip as collateral damage. They are the victims of Israel’s political decision not to prioritise and protect the lives of civilians, medical staff, and humanitarian workers. Maysara Rayyes and his family paid for this with their lives.

“Today we have lost one of our own, and members of his family. Our thoughts are with Maysara’s family and with our teams on site. This tragedy could have been avoided if a ceasefire had been introduced, which we have been calling for for several weeks now.” Florence Rigal, President of Médecins du Monde.

For several days, Doctors of the World has struggled to maintain contact with its teams in Gaza because the internet lines are regularly cut.

“We remain deeply concerned for our teams on the ground. This situation has repercussions for people who are unable to contact the emergency services to carry out rescue operations. Without communication, they cannot find out which areas have been bombed or contact their families. These conditions are intolerable and unrealistic. It is virtually impossible for humanitarian workers and medical staff to carry out their missions: to help the population and save lives.” Héléna Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Médecins du Monde.

Hafiza’s Story – A Psychology Student’s Experience Volunteering at Our London Clinic

Doctors of the World’s mission has always been and continues to be focused on aiding people and their health in time of crisis, through the commitment of doctors and medical volunteers around the world. Healthcare is a vital need and a basic human right. Our multiple projects – including outreach services, advocacy programmes, a national advice line, and our clinic rely on the precious time, care and skills donated by volunteers. They all have stories of emotional encounters with people supported, challenging days, friendly banter, and lessons that could not be learned anywhere than with Doctors of the World’s teams. 

One such story belongs to Hafiza, our clinic support worker, who began volunteering almost a year ago while studying Psychology at Brunel. We sat down with her to have a quick chat about her experiences in the past year being with us and at the clinic, and she was more than happy to oblige. Walking into the clinic, the crisp white walls with large windows leading into our waiting room accompanied by a small reception desk, it feels relaxed and welcoming, with soft music playing in the background. Hafiza’s workspace is right past the clinic’s beloved pothos plant and the small kitchen which always has biscuits and fruits, as well as the best coffee our local Tesco can offer. The space is full of colourful paraphernalia, with posters and helpful flyers. 

Hafiza is a fantastic human, with a welcoming smile, an energetic presence, and a passion for helping those around her. All of which has come through in her placement with us and made a great impact on the patients she’s worked with at the clinic and adviceline. 

Why become a volunteer at Doctors of the World clinic?

She first applied to volunteer, looking for a “human-oriented” approach to healthcare and an opportunity to make a real difference. When asked about the most important thing she learned through her year with us, she talked about meeting many different people, with various needs, circumstances, and struggles. Patients talking about missing home-cooked meals made by their mums, of yearning for safety and building a new life, for familiarity, comfort and community. Healthcare is a vital need and a basic human right. But the people we and Hafiza support have often been forced into precarious conditions and are left alone to deal with their and their families’ health. 

Hafiza embraced the emotional learning that was involved in the role and welcomed being part of a women-led team. “I felt stronger and determined being a part of women in health and a truly diverse community and service. I have learnt to use different facets of my personality and skills in the job and feel thoroughly supported by everyone here”. She added “I have learned to navigate barriers such as language. We have so much to connect with and learn from people who come to the clinic.” How incredible is it that I have learned so much from people, without speaking their language?” Language shouldn’t be a barrier to empathy and Hafiza – like so many of our volunteers – often tell us they have gained a new sense of calm when dealing with complex situations. According to Hafiza, one of the most important skills she’s gained was to remain calm and methodical whilst dealing with complicated cases with people sometimes in need of urgent attention. 

The clinic never turns anyone away and volunteers go above and beyond to help in any way they can. A few months after she joined Doctors of the World, Hafiza welcomed a patient for the first time to support them to register with their local GP. A few weeks later, having done some tests, she realised they were pregnant and were able to break the news to them, and support them accessing antenatal care for a safe pregnancy. “These cases always make me realise and appreciate our healthcare system and how important it is. Sometimes, it only takes that extra step from someone at a practice to completely change the outcome. I spoke to so many great and supportive healthcare professionals.”. 

Students placements welcome at Doctors of the World

Hafiza is now going back to university for her last year and isn’t sure what she’ll do next. Our clinic and national adviceline are always open to new volunteers of all ages, skills, and backgrounds. “My advice to new volunteers would be to actively interact with the work and the clinic, to make that extra phone call when they aren’t sure about something, to understand that the team around them is there to support you in making a positive difference in someone else’s life.” 

When we asked her about what she might miss, she smiled and said, “If I start there, I won’t be able to end it”. 

Doctors of the World UK always welcomes applications from people of all ages, skills, and backgrounds, to help us support those who are systematically denied access to healthcare. Please have a look at our available vacancies and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on our work in the UK and beyond.

Medical care is not enough

By Lucy Jones, Head of Research at Doctors of the World UK 

Providing medical care to people forced into homelessness and destitution is not enough. We must use our knowledge, expertise and voice of people with lived experience to influence positive change and improve healthcare access for all living in the UK.  

Based on our years of experience, I’m working on a new report that puts together our evidence on best practice in providing healthcare to some of the most excluded communities in the UK.  The project is in partnership with both University College London Hospitals and the UK Health Security Agency, as we work together to design a health service model that really meets everyone’s needs. We must ensure all can access public health services such as vaccinations and screening, preventing for example outbreaks of diseases, including TB, measles and rubella.  

Since the charity’s start, we’ve committed to welcoming people to our clinic, mobile vans, and adviceline, when it might seem like there’s nowhere left for them to seek medical aid. But we know that for lasting change to happen – we also need to advocate for better, more efficient and inclusive, policies, systems, and health services. This is why our research and policy work is so important. This is where this new report I’m working on comes in. 

Today, Doctors of the World is commissioned to share our broad range of knowledge of the barriers to healthcare that are experienced by the people we support, who are currently missed from public services. The aim is the delivery of diagnostic outreach, vaccinations, and community treatment that benefits us all. 

I’m very proud of this work, and all the research we do on the many barriers people still face when trying to access health services. Being part of the solution means sharing what we know about what people in precarious conditions need, and want, and what we know has worked so far as we aim for equal access to healthcare.