Bulletin #107: Health workers board Global Sumud Flotilla

This fortnight

Health workers are among the dozens of people who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, setting sail to break the blockade of Gaza by sea. In this issue, we feature interviews with pharmacist Aziz Rhali and physician James Smith – both of whom previously volunteered in Gaza’s hospitals – who explain why health workers must use their voices and platforms to support Palestinian colleagues still under relentless attack during Israel’s ongoing genocide.

But health workers who speak out for Palestine often face serious repercussions. British midwife Fatimah Mohamied was targeted by an NHS trust for voicing her opposition to genocide – repression that continued even after she left her position.

Meanwhile, Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s health system and blockade of essential supplies have led to a surge in infectious diseases. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights warns of rising cases of meningitis, scabies, and other preventable conditions, compounding the suffering of Palestinians during the genocide.

In Sudan, dire conditions also prevail. More than 12,000 people in the Darfur region have contracted cholera since June, with no access to treatment following the total collapse of the healthcare system amid the fighting between the army and the paramilitary since 2023.

A different vision is emerging from the Indian state of Kerala, where the left-led government has prioritized the right to health by expanding care. This approach has contributed to a drop in infant mortality rates – now lower than those in the United States. 

In focus: Health workers on the Global Sumud Flotilla

Pharmacist on board the Global Sumud Flotilla: “Health workers’ solidarity with Palestine must be practiced on the ground”

Moroccan pharmacist and human rights defender Aziz Rhali explains how he joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to support Palestinian health workers during genocide.

“It’s up to all of us”: British doctor shares why he is on Global Sumud Flotilla

British doctor James Smith tells People’s Health Dispatch why he is joining the Global Sumud Flotilla and why health workers must organize against Israel’s genocide.

Gallery: Voices from the Global Sumud Flotilla

Featured articles

British midwife referred to counterterror program over Palestine advocacy

Midwife Fatimah Mohamied is suing an NHS Trust after being referred to counterterror program Prevent for Palestine solidarity social media posts.

Gaza aid blockade and healthcare attacks have led to new infections, rights groups warn

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights warns of new cases of infectious diseases in Gaza, fueling health risks for a population already weakened by hunger.

Thousands suffer cholera with no medical care in war-torn Sudan’s Darfur

Almost 12,200 people have been infected with the deadly disease that has claimed over 500 lives in the region in less than three months since it was first detected in the crowded camps for displaced people in North Darfur.

Left-ruled Indian state of Kerala achieves lower infant mortality rate than US and developed countries

The Left’s dedication to strengthening the public health system has resulted in the improvement of health indicators in Kerala at a time when rampant privatization has made proper health services inaccessible to most other Indians.

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