On Tuesday, 3 December 2024, the Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University hosted a scientific conference titled “The Impact of Crises on the Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Providers and Health Sciences Students.” The event brought together approximately 100 representatives from educational and healthcare institutions, including the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the Palestinian Nursing and Midwifery Council, public and private hospitals, and UNRWA. Additionally, 250 nursing and health sciences students from the university actively participated.
The conference commenced with a moment of silence to honor the martyrs, followed by the Palestinian national anthem. Brother Hernan Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of building individual and community resilience to face crises. He highlighted the need for determination and adaptability amidst challenging circumstances.
Mr. Naji Abu Ali, the conference chair and lecturer at the Faculty of Nursing, underscored the significance of the event in light of the current challenges facing Palestine. He drew attention to the devastating impact of the war on Gaza’s healthcare system, including the collapse of services and the targeting of medical teams and facilities. Mr. Abu Ali called for supportive environments for healthcare workers through resilience-building programs, psychological support, and improved communication. He expressed gratitude to the Faculty Dean, Ms. Salam Awad, for her dedication to fostering student and faculty development.
Professor Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the integral role of healthcare professions beyond delivering medical care. She advocated for the establishment of psychological support centers for students and staff, expressing hope that the conference would serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Mr. Qusai Asbeh, Director of Research and Continuing Education at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, emphasized the vital role of nursing as a cornerstone of the healthcare system and praised Palestinian universities for preparing qualified medical professionals to meet current challenges.
Mr. Ibrahim Namoura, President of the Palestinian Nursing and Midwifery Council, expressed pride in participating and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the nursing profession amidst ongoing adversities.
Student representative Nisreen Hamamreh, a fourth-year nursing student, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the skills she acquired through the management course, including organization and creative thinking. She extended her gratitude to Mr. Naji Abu Ali for his unwavering support of students.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ahmed Fasfous, Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Bethlehem University, announced the opening of Palestine’s first center for treating developmental disorders in children. This milestone marks a significant step in advancing mental health services for children.
The conference featured engaging panel discussions moderated by experts, led by Dr. Salam Khateeb, Chair of Graduate Studies at Al-Quds University’s Faculty of Health Professions. Highlights included:
- Mr. Anan Ghabash discussing psychological first aid.
- Ms. Minerva Jaraysah, Lecturer at Bethlehem University, emphasizing the role of psychological resilience in mitigating stress.
- Ms. Etaf Maqboul, Lecturer at Bethlehem University, presenting on crisis management and the evolving role of universities in fostering resilience.
- Mr. Ibrahim Halwa, Head of Quality at Al-Makassed Hospital, addressing the impact of global health on healthcare quality and safety.
- Ms. Lamis Ghareeb from Caritas Hospital, concluding with a session on stress reduction strategies and the subconscious mind’s role in mental health.
Notably, fourth-year nursing students enrolled in the management course were directly responsible for organizing and coordinating the conference under the guidance of their course instructor, Mr. Abu Ali.
The conference concluded with a tour of student-led activities and exhibitions by nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students. These activities focused on stress relief and mental health promotion. The day ended with a lunch hosted by the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism.
This conference represents a pioneering effort to strengthen the role of Palestinian universities in addressing crises and supporting healthcare professionals both academically and practically.
