On Friday, August 30, 2024, Mira Baher Khaled Ayyash, a 9-year-old girl from Gaza, arrived in South Africa for urgent medical treatment.
Mira suffered a severe injury from an explosion in Gaza, resulting in a complex fracture of her right leg. She requires a specialized skin graft procedure which will be conducted by esteemed medical professionals.
This visit marks her as the first injured Palestinian child to benefit from the campaign, a joint initiative by Meal SA, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and Raslouw Private Hospital.
The initial phase of the campaign focuses on treating children like Mira, who will receive care from a team of specialists including Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Nabeel Mahomed and Raslouw Private Hospital Director Dr. Ismail Mitha. In addition to surgical care, Mira will have access to psychologists, speech therapists, and audiologists throughout her recovery. The campaign will continue next Wednesday with the arrival of more children in need of treatment.
Mira’s father, Bayer Ayyash, expressed his gratitude, recounting how Mira was injured on December 3 and initially treated in Egypt before arriving in South Africa for further care. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone involved," he said.
Dr. Ismail Mitha shared with Laudium Today that the project began in January when he was approached by various organizations seeking help. He expressed his privilege in contributing to this important cause.
At the Airport to welcome Mira to South Africa was, Deputy Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa Bassam Elhussiny, Riaz Moola of Meal SA and Dr Ismail Mitha
Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon Dr Nabeel Mahomed about to assess the injuries sustained by Mira
Members of SA Friends of Palestine, Kamal Jaffer and Omar Aboo (Oomza), Yussuf Joe Suliman, Dr Ismail Mitha, Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa Hanan Jarrar and Shaheen Wahab were also present to welcome Mira and her parents
Yussuf Joe Suliman and Manager of RPH Maryke Lotz (right) with Mira and her parents
