Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is calling on residents, businesses, and institutions across the city region to rally behind UK-Med, the Manchester-based frontline medical charity, as it continues critical, life-saving work in Gaza.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“The suffering of the people of Gaza is beyond words, with many living without the most basic essentials and often without access to medical care. Organisations like UK-Med, based right here in Manchester, are doing extraordinary work to keep the last functioning hospitals going and saving lives every day. Their presence on the ground speaks to the values we hold in Greater Manchester: compassion, solidarity, and standing by people in their time of need.”
UK-Med, founded and based in Manchester, runs two field hospitals in Gaza with around 600 Palestinian staff, supported by a small international team made up mostly of experienced medics – many from the NHS. Since the escalation of the conflict, UK-Med has treated more than 500,000 patients, conducted more than 3,200 surgeries, and safely delivered over 600 babies – all in an increasingly devastated health system operating under conflict.
CEO of UK-Med, David Wightwick, said:
“Our teams are seeing injuries on a scale that is hard to describe – and they are doing so without basic resources like anaesthetics, antibiotics, or clean water. Gaza’s health system is on the brink of total collapse. We are doing everything we can to keep people alive – but we cannot do it alone.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Mayor of Greater Manchester for his continued support for people caught in conflict, including our work in Ukraine and now in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is the most challenging I have ever witnessed. We urgently need Manchester’s help.”
As a globally recognised frontline medical aid agency, UK-Med operates under strict humanitarian principles and is certified by the World Health Organization to deliver emergency health services in conflict zones. With decades of experience responding to crises from Ukraine to Lebanon, UK-Med brings proven expertise to some of the world’s toughest environments. Gaza is now among the most dangerous and urgent medical emergencies it has ever faced.
UK-Med does not take sides – only action to save lives.
Appeal for Support
UK-Med relies on public donations to fund its emergency operations – from basic medical supplies to field hospitals and trauma teams. Without continued support, its life-saving work will cease, just as the need is greatest.
To donate or find out more, visit uk-med.org or contact media@uk-med.org
