It’s a typical morning at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, but for Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, Doctors Without Borders’ emergency coordinator, this day began long before the sun even rose. As the rest of the world sleeps, he is already hard at work, preparing for whatever challenges the day may bring.
At 5am, before the streets of Gaza are bustling with activity, Aitor is already checking online for any updates on the previous night’s events. He needs to know where the explosions or gunfire occurred so he can coordinate with his team and provide assistance to those in need. It’s a crucial first step in their daily routine.
For Aitor and his team, every day at Nasser Hospital is a race against time. They have to be ready to respond to any emergency, whether it’s a bomb explosion, a shooting, or a sudden influx of patients due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. And time is of the essence – every minute counts when it comes to saving lives.
But despite the high-pressure environment, Aitor and his team remain calm and focused. They have been trained to handle these situations and work together seamlessly to provide the best care possible for their patients. Aitor’s extensive experience in emergency coordination has prepared him for the challenges he faces in Gaza.
As the hospital doors open at 8am, patients start to arrive. Some of them have walked for miles, injured and in desperate need of medical attention. Others are brought in by ambulance, their lives hanging in the balance. But no matter the condition of the patients, Aitor and his team are there, ready to provide immediate and life-saving care.
The hospital is constantly filled with the sound of beeping machines, medical equipment, and people rushing back and forth. But amidst the chaos, Aitor remains a pillar of strength and stability. He is a source of comfort and hope for both his team and the patients.
What makes Aitor and his team so remarkable is their unwavering dedication to their work. Despite the constant dangers and challenges they face in Gaza, they continue to show up every day, determined to save as many lives as possible. It takes a special kind of person to do this work, and Aitor is certainly one of them.
Aitor and his team are not just providing medical care, they are also providing a sense of humanity in a place where it is so desperately needed. In a conflict where people are often reduced to numbers and statistics, Aitor and his team treat each patient as an individual, with their own unique story and struggles.
But their work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. Aitor and his team also provide medical assistance and support to those in the surrounding communities. They travel to areas that are often difficult to access due to the ongoing conflict, ensuring that even the most vulnerable receive the care they need.
Despite the many challenges they face, Aitor and his team remain committed to their mission. They are a shining example of selflessness, courage, and compassion in the face of adversity. Their unwavering dedication to the people of Gaza is truly inspiring.
So next time you think about Doctors Without Borders, remember Aitor and his team at Nasser Hospital in Gaza. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to save lives and make a difference in a place where hope and help are often hard to find. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate and thank them for their incredible work.
