The Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC) is a non-governmental humanitarian organization based in Norway, dedicated to providing medical aid and support to populations affected by conflict and crises, primarily in the Middle East. Established in 1983, NORWAC’s work has focused on addressing the urgent healthcare needs in war-torn regions, with a particular emphasis on Palestine and Lebanon. Over the decades, the organization has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to medical aid, collaboration with local healthcare institutions, and a humanitarian approach grounded in solidarity with affected populations.

Here is an overview of NORWAC’s history:

1. Founding and Early Mission (1983)

• 1983: NORWAC was founded by Norwegian medical professionals and activists, in response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). At the time, Lebanon was experiencing significant violence, and the Palestinian refugee population, particularly in the camps, was vulnerable and lacked access to essential medical care.
• The founding mission of NORWAC was to provide emergency medical relief to those affected by war and displacement, with an emphasis on delivering professional medical services and strengthening local healthcare capacity. NORWAC sought to offer medical aid in areas where access to healthcare was severely compromised due to conflict.
• First Projects in Lebanon: NORWAC’s earliest activities included sending medical teams and equipment to hospitals and clinics in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The organization began by collaborating with local healthcare providers and international organizations to address the urgent needs of civilians affected by the violence. It quickly became known for its responsiveness and ability to work in challenging environments.
• Projects in the occupied Palestinian territories.

2. Expansion of Work in Palestine and Egypt

• As the Palestinian territories became a focal point of ongoing conflict and political instability, NORWAC expanded its operations into the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), including Gaza and the West Bank in 1984. The organization worked to provide medical aid and support to the Palestinian population living under Israeli occupation, often in dire humanitarian conditions.
• Partnership with Palestinian Healthcare Institutions: NORWAC established partnerships with Palestinian hospitals and medical institutions, providing equipment, training, and funding to improve healthcare services. The focus was on capacity building, ensuring that local medical staff could deliver high-quality care in the long term. This partnership model became central to NORWAC’s approach.
• During this period, NORWAC’s activities included the training of Palestinian doctors, improving trauma care and surgery capabilities, and supporting medical infrastructure in underserved areas. One of the organization’s key achievements was helping to improve emergency medical services (EMS) in Palestine.
• The work was also extended to supporting The Palestine Hospital in Cairo run by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for more than a decade.

3. Expansion to other areas of conflict (1990ies)

• For a brief period NORWAC engaged in supporting emergency training of medical staff in the Philippines. The program was stopped after one year.
• During the conflict in Kosovo in 1999 NORWAC was engaged in establishing a medical field hospital in Albania. When the acute conflict ended, NORWAC continued working on capacity building and restoring and developing the public health services in Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Kosovo in collaboration with the national Health authorities in the respective countries for 15 years. The work included procurement and installation of advanced medical equipment, development of National Health plans and training f medical experts.

4. Gaza Conflicts and Humanitarian Response (2000s-Present)

• 2000s: The humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by repeated conflicts, including the Second Intifada (2000-2005), drew NORWAC’s increased attention. The organization became a significant player in delivering emergency medical aid during and after Israeli military operations in Gaza, particularly during large-scale conflicts like Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Protective Edge (2014) and the war in Gaza following the Hamas attack October 2023.
• Emergency Medical Teams: NORWAC regularly dispatched Norwegian medical teams to Gaza to assist local doctors with surgical care, particularly trauma surgery. The organization played a critical role in saving lives in the midst of military offensives, providing vital care to civilians injured by airstrikes and other forms of violence.
• Advocacy and International Awareness: In addition to its medical work, NORWAC also advocated for the international community to recognize the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population.

5. Syria conflict and Humanitarian response

• Following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, NORWAC expanded its activities into Syria, providing critical medical assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. The organization operates in both government-controlled areas and opposition-held territories, working in challenging and often dangerous conditions. NORWAC’s efforts have included supporting hospitals, supplying medicines, and training medical staff to cope with the overwhelming number of war injuries. During the major earthquake in Turkey and Syria in 2024 NORWAC supported the rescue and restoration work through partners.

Current Focus and Operations

• Medical Capacity Building: While emergency medical relief remains a key part of NORWAC’s mission, the organization has also expanded its focus on long-term development and capacity building. It has helped establish medical training programs, particularly in surgery, trauma care, and pediatrics, and continues to supply essential medical equipment to hospitals in the Middle East.
• Palestine: During the war in Gaza NORWAC sends Emergency medical Teams in collaboration with WHO and is increasing tehe support of hospitals in Jerusalem. Capasity building and support of infrastructure is also extended to the West bank in collaboration with the Palestinian ministry of Health.
• Lebanon: NORWAC continues its longstanding work in Lebanon, particularly in supporting Palestinian refugees and increasingly assisting Syrian refugees who fled the civil war. Lebanon’s complex political situation and economic challenges have only increased the need for healthcare aid, which NORWAC has responded to by bolstering services in refugee camps and impoverished areas.
• Syria: NORWAC continues capacity building both in governmental areas and in the north.

5. Humanitarian Impact and Challenges

• Challenges: NORWAC has faced significant challenges in delivering aid, including restrictions on access to conflict zones, shortages of medical supplies, and the political complexities of operating in areas under occupation or siege, such as Gaza. Despite these difficulties, the organization has maintained its commitment to serving the most vulnerable populations, often relying on the dedication of volunteer medical professionals from Norway.
• Advocacy and Awareness: NORWAC has also been active in raising awareness about the humanitarian consequences of the conflicts it operates in. Through public campaigns, media appearances, and reports, the organization has brought attention to the healthcare needs of people living in conflict zones, especially in Palestine and Syria.

6. Legacy and Continued Mission

• Today, NORWAC is recognized as one of Norway’s leading humanitarian organizations, particularly in the field of medical relief. Its long-term presence in the Middle East, especially in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, has made it a trusted partner for local healthcare providers and an advocate for the rights and dignity of people affected by war.
• Core Values: NORWAC’s mission remains centered on the principle of solidarity with populations affected by conflict and occupation. It seeks to provide not only immediate medical relief but also long-term support that strengthens local healthcare systems, making them more resilient in the face of ongoing crises.