Islamic Relief supports people with disabilities and special needs in Gaza

Home Islamic Relief supports people with disabilities and special needs in Gaza
February 21, 2025 Occupied Palestinian Territory -

At least 111,700 Palestinians were injured between 7 October 2023 and 19 February 2025, with many finding their lives permanently changed. Islamic Relief is providing emergency medical aid and mental health support, with a view to rebuilding treatment centres for those with special needs and disabilities as soon as we can.

According to the World Health Organization, over 25% of injured civilians in Gaza face life-changing injuries, including the loss of limbs.

And in December 2024, the United Nations warned that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, after more than a year of bombardment by Israel.

Yet many of the injured are unable to access the healthcare they need. Almost half of Gaza’s hospitals are not functioning and 51% are only partially functioning. An overwhelming majority of the injured are also not being allowed to leave Gaza for medical treatment.

Doctors have had to amputate children’s limbs without anaesthetic because of the critical shortage of drugs and medical supplies. While other children have reportedly bled to death in the streets, unable to find treatment.

Many people with disabilities are also struggling without access to prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs, limiting their mobility, development and even ability to get medical treatment.

Supporting people with disabilities through escalation after escalation

In the early days of the most recent escalation, Islamic Relief staff and partners were on the ground delivering over 2.3 million essential medical items to hospitals and clinics to help them treat increasing numbers of wounded patients.

In 2024, we provided life-saving equipment to Al-Shifa’s maternity department, including wheelchairs and ultrasound and cardiovascular technology.

This support builds on decades of experience helping vulnerable people in Gaza to meet their healthcare needs.

In the late 1990s, we established educational enhancement centres in refugee camps in Rafah (REEC) and Deir El-Balah (DEEC).

Children enjoy games at the REEC’s toy library in brief moments of respite from the ongoing violence 

The centres provided education for children with disabilities in the mornings and wider educational and vocational courses for vulnerable adults in the evenings. They offered computer education classes, English lessons and trade skills workshops, for example on handicrafts or carpentry. They also hosted a toy library, providing children with some welcome enjoyment and relief.

14-year-old Ahmed joined the DEEC in 1999. He learned how to use a computer and participated in a mock parliament which helped children to develop problem-solving skills.

He described the centre as a “third home,” and said “I have very much enjoyed the different games, toys and educational and entertainment videos. Thanks to the DEEC for giving us the opportunity to improve our skills and knowledge.”

At the same time, Islamic Relief operated the Integrated Care Programme for Traumatised Children (ICPTC) within the Bureij refugee camp. The ICPTC employed psychiatric staff and an English and Arabic teacher to provide care and learning to more than 100 children suffering from trauma as a result of violence in the region.

Thousands have sustained significant physical and mental scars during relentless aerial and ground bombardment

While the ICPTC was forced to shut in 2004 due to increasing violence, we continued to support existing centres, including Gaza’s Artificial Limbs and Polio Centre. In 2008, we provided and fit artificial limbs and polio apparatus for over 100 people.

Ongoing support for vulnerable Palestinians

Since the ceasefire came into force on 19 January, approximately 5% of those in need have been allowed to leave Gaza for medical treatment.

Some have died before receiving permission to leave. There is also increasing uncertainty regarding whether medical evacuees will be allowed to return.

We are helping children wounded in the recent crisis with physical rehabilitation

Islamic Relief is working to support people currently in need through providing emergency medical aid and mental health support, as well as offering physical rehabilitation to wounded children.

As soon as we can, we will repair and increase assess to essential educational and health centres for those with special needs and disabilities. We also aim to upgrade centres with equipment and furniture specifically adapted for children with disabilities.

Please help Islamic Relief continue to support the people of Gaza, including those with special needs and disabilities. Donate now.

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new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.