Wed Sep 18 15:12:59 UTC 2024: ## Ireland to Evacuate Sick Children from Gaza for Treatment
**Dublin, Ireland** – Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has secured government approval to evacuate a number of sick children from Gaza for treatment and care in Ireland. This initiative is in response to a request from the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the urgent health needs of Gazans.
The Department of Health announced today that Minister Donnelly and his team have been working diligently on this plan for months alongside medical professionals, the Irish Red Cross (IRC), and other government departments. The Health Service Executive (HSE) will coordinate all necessary services and facilitate the children’s travel to hospitals or accommodations as needed.
Minister Donnelly expressed gratitude to those involved, stating, “This is a modest but important step given the scale of the horrific conflict.” He condemned the attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities, calling for their immediate cessation.
Ireland is expected to receive up to 30 pediatric patients from Gaza in 2024. The children will be selected on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to those needing treatment for cancer, hemodialysis, and other severe medical conditions (excluding orthopedic cases). Each child will be accompanied by a carer, who will receive accommodation and support from the IRC, including translation services and psychosocial assessments. All patients and carers will undergo health screening prior to travel.
Minister Donnelly emphasized the devastating loss of life in the conflict, particularly among civilians. He reiterated Ireland’s commitment to working with EU partners and the WHO to provide medical evacuation and treatment to those affected.
First Piper 