The Indicator from Planet Money The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza
Aug 12, 2025
Arwa Damon, a former CNN correspondent and founder of INARA, shares her experiences delivering medical aid to children in conflict zones. She discusses the logistical nightmares her nonprofit faces, including rejected shipments of essential supplies like insulin and Nutella. Damon highlights the unpredictable challenges of operating in Gaza, focusing on local hiring and the dire humanitarian needs. Her compelling stories reveal the resilience of both aid workers and the local population amid ongoing adversity.
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From Reporting To Running A Charity
- Arwa Damon started Inara in 2015 after repeatedly seeing children fall through aid gaps during conflicts.
- She said the urge to act was visceral and nearly paralyzing before founding the nonprofit.
Local Teams Over Centralized Control
- Arwa Damon says Inara hires only local staff to avoid outsiders assuming they know best.
- This approach lets them work surgically and invest resources in small groups that big charities ignore.
Donor Math Versus Deep Medical Care
- Arwa Damon explains big donors want large reach while Inara treats fewer children with complex surgeries.
- She estimates expensive surgeries cost about $10,000 per child, which makes conventional donor metrics misleading.