Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In solidarity with the Palestinian people, the UAE's Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO) for People of Determination has officially opened a special centre dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and case assessment of Palestinians wounded in the ongoing conflict.
The initiative, in collaboration with Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC), and under the directive of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to provide treatment and comprehensive care to 1,000 injured Palestinians, enhancing their quality of life and facilitating their reintegration into society.
Located within EHC, the new facility is designed to cater to the specific needs of injured Palestinians and People of Determination, offering services that include medical evaluations, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychological support.
With a focus on both physical and emotional rehabilitation, the centre is equipped with therapy rooms, educational spaces and administrative offices, offering a holistic approach to care.
To date, specialists from the ZHO have successfully assessed 123 cases and conducted over 80 therapy sessions weekly, addressing the needs of individuals with physical disabilities and hearing impairments.
In addition, 11 hearing aids have been provided to individuals with hearing loss, and the organisation has also coordinated with the Ibn Sina School for Deaf Education to establish auditory rehabilitation classes, ensuring better integration for students with hearing impairments into the Emirati school system.
As part of the organisation's ongoing efforts, it is also offering prosthetic limbs, physical therapy, as wells as wheelchairs, braces and other assistive devices.
Speaking to Aletihad at Wednesday's official opening, Maryam Al Obaidli, Head of the Integrated Diagnostic Centre / Abu Dhabi, at ZHO, said, "Today, we opened a specialised centre to provide therapeutic, rehabilitation, evaluation and educational services for People of Determination in the EHC. This centre will offer all necessary services, including medical tools and support, to help integrate People of Determination into Emirati schools and enable them to live their lives normally."
She said that the centre provides a range of assessments including psychological, treatment, functional, physical ability, speech, hearing, as well as academic evaluations.
Mubarak Al Qahtani, EHC spokesman, said in collaboration with ZHO, 1,000 cancer patients and 1,000 children with war injuries from Gaza were being hosted, as directed by the UAE President.
"Since November, we have been assessing their conditions, including limb deformities, vision, hearing, and mental disabilities," he explained.
Al Qahtani listed the centre's range of services, including medical, education and a specialised facility for disabilities.
"It is our responsibility, along with all government institutions, to provide the services that enable our Palestinian guests to lead dignified lives here in the UAE," he added.
Haleima Al Dhanhani, a speech and language pathologist at ZHO, told Aletihad: "I provide services for children with various disabilities, including hearing impairments, language and speech disorders, and ADHD, to improve their communication and quality of life."
She develops personalised therapy plans through reassessments and close collaboration with families, accentuating the right of every child to access services for a healthy and fulfilling life.
One Palestinian family, represented by Etimad Abu Houli, a history and geography teacher, shared their story with Aletihad.
She spoke about her twin children, Mohammed and Yasmine, who have hearing loss.
"Mohammed needs help with pronunciation, and Yasmine struggles with certain letter sounds," she said.
Etimad expressed gratitude for the support her children have received since fleeing Gaza at the end of July, including hearing tests, new hearing aids, and special education and speech therapy.
"I am truly thankful for the care and dedication here; their commitment to the children is remarkable," she said.
