This week our Gaza team in Rafah distributed special cans of milk for children suffering from Phenylketonuria, also called PKU, a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. PKU is caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine. These children need special formula to ensure they get the proper nutrition to mitigate the impact of this disease on their bodies.  Twenty-four children in southern Gaza will get a five months supply of milk.  Children who do not get support can suffer from developmental delays, intellectual disability, behavioral problems, and another health problem.

This formula is expensive and most patients in the Gaza Strip are unable to afford to purchase on their own.