
Meet Atef
Assisted in providing comprehensive care inside Gaza via a multi-agency approach.
Leading a media campaign to secure his evacuation.
Securing passports for the mother of Atef via our team in Ramallah
Providing ongoing support to the family in Jordan including in-person visits with physical and financial aid.
Atef’s Story
In September 2023, Relief Across Borders was part of a multi-agency effort that was made aware of 6-month-old Atef, a child in Gaza diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and suspected kidney cancer. His condition was deteriorating rapidly, and due to Gaza's collapsed healthcare infrastructure and the ongoing blockade, there were no available treatment options. Without immediate intervention, Atef’s life was at serious risk.
Relief Across Borders initiated and managed an immediate emergency media campaign for his evacuation. Atef also emergency aid and coordinated for him to be seen by a Gazan paediatric intensive care consultant.
Relief Across Borders worked tirelessly to advocate for his medical evacuation, staying in constant contact with local medical teams to monitor Atef’s condition. Thanks to the support of the US State Department, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, and the Jordanian Royal Family, Atef was successfully evacuated to Jordan, where he began receiving specialised cancer treatment.
Relief Across Borders remains committed to supporting Atef and his mother in Jordan during this critical time. We have visited them in Jordan to continue to provide assistance, ensuring they receive the care they need as Atef fights for his life.
Atef
Age: 12 months old
Location: Jordan
Diagnosis: Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma in the abdomen, leading to bilateral nephrostomies due to bladder compression from the mass. Atef suffers from severe malnutrition, requiring urgent nutritional intervention. The tumour's location also raise concerns about possible respiratory compromise due to diaphragm compression, though no acute distress is currently apparent.