Virtual Reality Headsets Transport Gaza's Children to a World Far Away

Children affected by the conflict in Gaza are participating in a unique therapy program using virtual reality (VR) headsets, transporting them to serene and safe environments far from the devastation surrounding them. The VR sessions are designed to enhance the psychological wellbeing of the youngsters, with specialists noting that progress can be faster than in conventional therapy.

Inside a white tent set up on sandy ground in Al-Zawayda, central Gaza, the excited voices of five boys filled the air as they explored virtual landscapes. Some sat in plastic chairs, while one boy used a wheelchair, all immersed in a world of lush gardens, peaceful beaches, and secure cities. One boy clapped his hands in delight, another reached forward to touch the virtual scenery, while a third called out to a digital dog running toward him.

"I see birds," the boy in the wheelchair exclaimed to an operator. The staff carefully placed a blue TechMed Gaza headset on 15-year-old Salah Abu Rukab, who suffered a head injury during the war, adjusting it to ensure he could see the virtual world clearly. Salah described his experience: "We feel comfortable in it, we enjoy it, and through it we enter gardens and spaces with animals."

He added, "It's all trees. Nothing but trees, grass and flowers."

Mental health supervisor Abdalla Abu Shamale emphasized that the VR therapy goes beyond mere distraction. "We design programs with therapeutic, preventive, and developmental objectives to help children manage their lives more effectively," he said. "This approach has been successfully applied for over a year, supporting war-amputee children, those injured, and children exposed to severe trauma."

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October 10, but the World Health Organization highlights that the mental health impact of conflict-related injuries is significant. Survivors face ongoing trauma, loss, and daily survival challenges, while psychosocial services remain limited in Gaza.

Jonathan Crickx, spokesperson for UNICEF, explained that approximately one million children in Gaza require mental health and psychosocial support after years of conflict. The VR programs are specifically tailored for traumatized children, taking into account both physical and psychological needs, helping them regain a positive outlook on life.

Abu Shamale noted the impressive results: "Children show a strong and positive response to VR therapy. Treatment, recovery, and stability are achieved more quickly compared to traditional sessions. Normally, conventional therapy might take 10 to 12 sessions, but with VR, progress can be seen in just five to seven sessions."

Author: Sophia Brooks