In Gaza, where war leaves its deep scars on bodies before buildings, the need for advanced medical solutions to treat severe burns is growing. Children make up nearly 80% of those affected, living in harsh conditions that exacerbate the risk of injury and its complications.
A report by Al Jazeera highlighted a new technology developed by Doctors Without Borders that uses 3D printing to create customized healing masks. These masks aim to reduce disfigurement and restore the features of faces ravaged by burns.
In Gaza, where war leaves its deep scars on bodies even before buildings, the need for advanced medical solutions to address the severe burns afflicting a growing number of Palestinians, nearly 80% of whom are children, is escalating. This comes amidst harsh living conditions that exacerbate the risks of injury and its complications.
A report by Al Jazeera’s Gaza correspondent, Muath Al-Amour, highlighted a new technology developed by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) that utilizes 3D printing to create specialized therapeutic masks. These masks aim to reduce disfigurement and restore the features of faces ravaged by burns.
“Brutal Tissue”
Firas Al-Suwairji, MSF’s physiotherapy activities manager, says the need for this technology has become urgent due to an unprecedented rise in facial burn cases compared to pre-war levels. This surge is a direct result of displacement and the population’s reliance on rudimentary methods for cooking and heating.
Al-Suwairji adds that deep burns often lead to what is known as “brutal tissue,” an irregular growth of skin resulting from the loss of its underlying layers. This can cause permanent disfigurement if treatment is not provided early. For his part, physical therapy supervisor Mohammed Al-Qatrawi explains that the mask manufacturing process begins with using a 3D scanner to capture detailed images of the patient’s face. The mask is then designed using specialized software and printed using 3D printing technology to ensure a perfect fit for each individual case.
Al-Qatrawi points out that wearing a mask for extended periods—up to 20 hours a day—poses a challenge, especially for children. This has led medical staff to develop transparent masks or masks decorated with designs to mitigate the psychological impact and encourage adherence to treatment.
