Polio Survivor Develops TB Detection Initiative In War-torn Palestine

From Mohd Khairi Idham Amran

GENEVA, July 11 (Bernama) -- Living in a war-torn country with limited access to basic necessities has not stopped a Palestinian youth from developing an innovative project for predicting and preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in her country.

Even more remarkably, the project has been shortlisted among the top 20 in the individual category at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize 2025.

Palestine Al Hub project leader Nidaa Awawda said the inspiration behind the initiative came from her battle with polio during her childhood.

“My project tells a story that I personally experienced and faced by my people. 

“During my childhood, I suffered from polio. Unfortunately, after the war, polio spread widely in Gaza’s sewage and now we have a large number of cases,” she told reporters after meeting with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on the sidelines of WSIS+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20) here recently.

Based on her personal experiences, Nidaa developed a system that focuses on detecting the early presence of TB in sewage, which will enable authorities to act before the disease spreads further.

She said the project’s recognition at WSIS Prize 2025 demonstrates the resilience and potential of the Palestinian youth despite the adversity they face.

“We are a people with tremendous potential. Our youth are capable of making a difference with technology,” said Nidaa, who is a computer engineer.

Nidaa also called on the international community to assist in rebuilding Palestine’s technological capacity, especially its telecommunications infrastructure.

“Help us in redeveloping the infrastructure … 75 per cent of Palestinian communications infrastructure has been destroyed,” she said.

Emphasising the critical role of communications in modern life, Nidaa said access to communication is no longer a luxury but a humanitarian need.

She also expressed her hopes for collaboration with Malaysia, particularly with the Communications Ministry, in areas such as ICT development and training.

Palestine Al Hub is a platform for empowering Palestinian youth by integrating youths from diverse backgrounds within the Palestinian community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. 

The hub focuses on various initiatives, including youth empowerment through workshops and activities; programmes for children and students; and skill development for career advancement.

WSIS Prizes are organised by the International Telecommunication Union, in collaboration with other United Nations agencies, to recognise projects and activities that leverage the power of information and communication technologies to advance sustainable development goals.

-- BERNAMA