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Portrait of Tarek Loubani

Tarek Loubani

Palestinian Canadian emergency physician and medical-device developer

Born
1981
Born in
Kuwait
Read Tarek’s story2 videosAsk about Tarek

Why Tarek is here

Tarek Loubani has made significant contributions to both medicine and the Palestinian cause, especially through his innovative use of 3D printing technology to produce low-cost medical devices for Gaza, underlining his commitment to supporting the Palestinian people under dire circumstances.

Their story

Tarek Loubani is a Palestinian-Canadian emergency physician and humanitarian, known for his dedication to providing medical care in Gaza and for pioneering low-cost medical solutions through his Glia Project. His work, often conducted in conflict zones, combines his medical expertise with technological innovation, making life-saving tools accessible to those most in need.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Tarek’s path.

  1. 1981

    Born in Kuwait

    Raised in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, Loubani later moved to Canada, where he pursued a career in medicine.

  2. 2015

    Founded Glia Project

    Established the Glia Project to develop and produce open-source, low-cost medical devices, including a 3D-printed stethoscope, specifically designed to meet the needs of resource-limited settings like Gaza.

  3. 2013

    Detained in Egypt

    Loubani was arrested and detained in Egypt while attempting to enter Gaza, an experience that underscored his commitment to providing medical aid despite significant personal risk.

  4. 2018

    Injured in Gaza

    While providing medical assistance during the Great March of Return in Gaza, Loubani was shot by an Israeli sniper, highlighting the dangers faced by medical professionals in conflict zones.

    Watch

  5. 2020

    Bassel Khartabil Fellowship

    Awarded the prestigious fellowship for his ongoing contributions to open-source medical technology and his commitment to humanitarian work.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. 3D-Printed Stethoscope

    Loubani developed a 3D-printed stethoscope that costs less than $3, making it accessible to medical professionals in Gaza and other low-resource areas, where traditional stethoscopes are often unaffordable.

  2. Glia Project

    The Glia Project has expanded to include the development of other essential medical devices, such as tourniquets and dialysis machines, all designed with low-cost and open-source principles, directly benefiting the Palestinian healthcare system under the Israeli occupation.

  3. Medical Aid in Gaza

    Loubani has consistently provided on-the-ground medical care in Gaza, often during periods of intense conflict, demonstrating his commitment to the Palestinian cause through his actions and risking his life to save others.

    Watch

  4. Advocacy for Open Source Medical Devices

    Through his advocacy, Loubani has challenged the traditional medical supply industry, promoting the use of open-source technology to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for marginalized communities, particularly in Palestine.

  5. Educational Contributions

    Loubani has also contributed to medical education in Gaza, training local healthcare professionals in the use of these innovative tools and techniques, thereby ensuring that the benefits of his work are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

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Watch & listen

Tarek in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Injured in Gaza↗

  • 02Medical Aid in Gaza↗

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