The HAVEN Program
Protecting Mothers & Newborns in Times of Crisis
The Health Access and Vital Care for Early Life and Nurturing Women (HAVEN) Program was first established in Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis, Gaza, to respond to the urgent maternal and newborn health needs of women affected by displacement, conflict, and limited access to healthcare services in Gaza.
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The project delivers life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services inside hospitals while also extending community-based awareness and education to women living in displacement camps. Our approach combines clinical care, community outreach, and strong data systems to ensure quality, dignity, and measurable impact.
LIVES AT RISK: MATERNAL & NEWBORN HEALTH
Ongoing conflict and widespread displacement in Gaza have placed extreme pressure on hospitals and maternity services. Women face high-risk pregnancies and deliveries in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities, while many displaced women are unable to reach health services at all. Without timely and skilled sexual and reproductive health care, mothers and newborns face increased risk of preventable complications, illness, and death.
The Program
Newborn Care
Immediate newborn care, early breastfeeding initiation, neonatal resuscitation, and rapid referral for high-risk cases are central to the HAVEN Program’s hospital-based response.
Hospital-Based SRH Support
The HAVEN Program deploys skilled doctors, midwives, and nurses to support maternity and obstetric services in high-pressure hospital settings. Services include normal and high-risk deliveries, emergency obstetric care, postnatal care, breastfeeding support, family planning counseling, and GBV screening and referral.
Emergency Response
On-site triage and emergency obstetric support strengthen maternal and newborn care during periods of severe health system overload.
Community Education
We deliver structured SRH awareness sessions inside displacement camps through trained community midwives. Sessions cover safe pregnancy and danger signs, newborn care, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and GBV awareness with safe referral pathways.
Progress To Date
Strengthened maternal and newborn care in emergency settings.
Improved access to SRH services for displaced women.
Increased awareness and early help-seeking behavior.
Enhanced quality, dignity, and safety of maternity care.
Built strong collaboration with hospitals, communities, and global health partners.
