The Abu Sittah - Gilbert Humanitarian Award (ASGHA)
Hosted by the American University of Beirut’s Palestine Land Studies Center, the Abu Sittah–Gilbert Humanitarian Award (ASGHA) is an international humanitarian recognition established to honor exceptional health professionals who demonstrate extraordinary courage, compassion, and selfless service in situations of war, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises.
The Abu Sittah Gilbert Humanitarian Second Award ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 17, at 5:30 pm in West Hall, American University of Beirut. The audience will be addressed by former Chilean President Dr. Michelle Bachelet and Dr. Ang Swee Chai.
More information go to The Abu Sittah - Gilbert Humanitarian Award (ASGHA)
Why
To recognize health professionals from around the globe who have put their lives and/or livelihoods at risk in their effort to protect and treat people at risk of death or injury in situations of active war and conflict.
In Honor of Whom
Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah is a Palestinian-British reconstructive and plastic surgeon. In April 2024 he was elected to be the Rector of the University of Glasgow. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from the American University of Beirut in June 2024. As a student and later as a surgeon he visited the occupied territories in Palestine to treat patients. All visits occurred during military activities. Between October and November 2023, he operated on the injured almost 16 hours a day under the worst working conditions. Dr. Abu Sittah also provided care to patients in other war zones like Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.
Dr. Mads Gilbert is a Norwegian activist and anesthesiologist who graduated from the University of Oslo. He acted as a head of the emergency department at the University Hospital of North Norway. He has been an active and loud voice in the world calling for peace in Gaza. Dr. Gilbert has extended continuous medical and other humanitarian support to the people of Gaza and its health facilities and professionals for over 40 years. He wrote two books on Gaza that were translated into several languages. He continuously sheds light on injustice and inequalities through his clinical work, teaching, and research.
What
The Award is a symbolic one, consisting of a plate indicating the name of the award, the name of the recipient, and the date of presentation. The sketch on the award was inspired by a caricature created by the Palestinian artist Naji El Ali. The poor child in the drawing is Hanthala and he is trying to protect himself by a stethoscope topped by a flower (symbol of health and peace). Hanthala was created by Naji and is ten years old, the age at which Naji Al Ali was made a refuge. Hanthala will not grow until his return to his homeland, Palestine.