CEO Report Q2 2024
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in our region, our commitment to health diplomacy remains steadfast. I am pleased to share with you the highlights of our activities and achievements from the second quarter of 2024, along with our plans for the upcoming months.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a difference and fostering hope for a better future.
Warm Regards,
Ronit Zimmer
CEO, Project Rozana
Advocacy Efforts: Leveraging Success for Policy Change and Lasting Peace
Rozana recently participated in the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) meetings in Ramallah and Jerusalem, where a significant study revealed that health is the most favourable area for continued cooperation between Palestinians and Israelis. This aligns with our observations in the field: health professionals from both communities are eager to move beyond dialogue to achieve tangible, positive outcomes together.
Palestinian-Israeli Specialist Nursing Hub – expanding our impact with new partnerships
In response to the evolving situation in the region, Rozana has broadened the Palestinian-Israeli Specialist Nursing Hub initiative to include allied health professionals and engaged new partners. We are excited to welcome the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jerusalem and Hebron, Al-Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem, the Palestinian Diabetes Association, Green Land Society for Health Development, and Herzliya Medical Center (HMC) into the Palestinian-Israeli Specialist Nursing Hub network. This expansion is crucial as it allows us to address a wider range of healthcare needs and strengthens our capacity to deliver comprehensive healthcare services across the region.
Peacebuilding and Education: A New Era for Rozana
In response to the escalating conflict, Rozana has launched a comprehensive peacebuilding and education initiative aimed at fostering resilience and collaboration among healthcare professionals. This groundbreaking program, known as "personal and professional leadership development," begins with the well-being of local nursing teams, progresses to conflict resolution within diverse Israeli teams, and culminates in peace education and leadership training for select nursing leaders.
Gaza Initiatives: Addressing a Humanitarian Crisis
Rozana is actively involved in three critical and evolving initiatives aimed at addressing the health aspects of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These initiatives, developed in collaboration with various partners, address immediate, short-term, and long-term needs. Each program represents a concrete effort to meet emergency needs and contribute to the long-term rehabilitation of Gaza.
Jerusalem Palliative Care Initiative
Amidst escalating tensions, Rozana's Jerusalem Palliative Care Initiative (JPCI) stands as a light tower illuminating hope. The JPCI seeks to forge partnerships among five Israeli and Palestinian medical institutions in Jerusalem (Sha’are Zedek Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Al Makassed Hospital, and St. Louis French Hospital, fostering understanding among over 100 Palestinian and Israeli palliative care professionals and allied health experts. These efforts are designed to promote cross-cultural understanding in the city of Jerusalem, and elevate healthcare provision, particularly in end-of-life care
Mental Health Programs
In the current climate of ongoing conflict and upheaval, the need for robust mental health support has never been more urgent. Many individuals and communities face relentless stress and trauma, which makes comprehensive mental health projects vital for fostering resilience and healing. Rozana is actively involved in several key initiatives to address these critical needs and build mental health capacity in the region.
Rehabilitation and Training
Rehabilitation and training are crucial components in our mission to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in the region.
Medical Fellowships: Building Expertise
The training of Palestinian physicians at Israeli hospitals, which began on January 1, has been a cornerstone of our efforts to build medical expertise within the Palestinian healthcare system. This initiative is not only enhancing the skills of individual physicians but also contributing to the broader goal of improving healthcare delivery in the region. Since the commencement of their fellowships, Rozana has facilitated private Hebrew language training to enhance their learning and integration.
Wheels of Hope: Transforming Lives through Transportation and Support
Our Wheels of Hope bus service operates six days per week, with two buses running on Thursdays. This service caters to 30 patients and their companions, the majority of whom are dialysis patients in need of regular treatment. Beyond transportation, Rozana covers the expenses of taxi fares, medications (including insulin, which is not easily accessible in the West Bank), and medical consultation fees for patients requiring assistance. These efforts ensure that our patients receive comprehensive care without the burden of financial stress.
Women4Women: Expanding Reach and Impact
During the second quarter of the project, we observed an increase in patient numbers at some sites. To maximize our reach and provide services to as many beneficiaries as possible, we began visiting two sites on the same day. This strategic approach allowed us to efficiently deliver healthcare services to a larger population.
