Bilal Irfan

Mr. Bilal Irfan

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 November 2024 in World Medical & Health Policy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
BIBilal Irfan
Bilal Irfan
ILIzzeddin Lulu
Izzeddin Lulu
AHAdam Hamawy
Adam Hamawy
ASAbdallah Abu Shammala
Abdallah Abu Shammala
SKSusan Kullab
Susan Kullab
KSKhaled Saleh
Khaled Saleh
The ongoing Israeli military assault on Gaza has caused a devastating collapse of healthcare infrastructure, resulting in an unprecedented surge in infectious diseases. The destruction of sanitation systems, restrictions on medical supplies, and displacement of civilians have created an environment conducive to the rapid spread of waterborne, vector‐borne, and antibiotic‐resistant infections. This paper draws from the insights of local Palestinian healthcare workers and recent medical missions conducted by FAJR Scientific, the Palestine American Medical Association, and Doctors Without Borders, examining infection control efforts under extreme constraints. The missions encountered major challenges, such as the absence of sterile equipment, inadequate access to clean water, and disrupted healthcare services. These conditions have exacerbated the spread of diseases such as hepatitis, meningitis, and polio, with severe impacts on Gaza's pediatric population. Efforts to implement infection control measures, such as telemedicine consultations, wound care protocols, and antibiotic stewardship, were heavily impeded by the ongoing blockade. The paper underscores the critical importance of lifting the siege to allow humanitarian access and to address the root causes of the infectious disease crisis in Gaza. It also highlights the resilience of Palestinian healthcare workers who continue to provide care under these dire circumstances. The recommendations outlined aim to support future medical teams working in conflict zones by providing practical strategies for infection prevention and control amidst such sustained violence. These efforts are contingent on international intervention and an end to the systematic blockade that has weaponized healthcare access.

30 October 2024 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ENElias Nasser
Elias Nasser
NANour Alshaer
Nour Alshaer
MWMuaaz Wajahath
Muaaz Wajahath
BIBilal Irfan
Bilal Irfan
MTMohammed Tahir
Mohammed Tahir
KSKhaled J Saleh
Khaled J Saleh
Background/Objectives: Fracture-related infections (FRIs) are a significant complication in conflict zones, where limited resources and damaged infrastructure complicate orthopedic care. Methods: This study retrospectively reviews the management of FRIs during medical missions to Gaza from April to July 2024. Results: Among 135 patients treated for war-related fractures, 30% were identified with suspected FRIs, which were primarily following explosive injuries. Contributing factors to the high incidence of infection included malnutrition, poor sanitation, and the scarcity of sterile surgical supplies. The absence of standard infection control measures further complicated treatment. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for a comprehensive approach that incorporates infection prevention, sustainable healthcare planning, and quality assurance tailored to the realities of conflict zones. The study underscores the importance of international support to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies and to develop effective, context-specific strategies for infection management. By applying these insights, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of FRIs in resource-limited settings affected by conflict.

23 October 2024 in The Lancet
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BIBilal Irfan
Bilal Irfan
ASAbdallah Abu Shammala
Abdallah Abu Shammala
KSKhaled Saleh
Khaled Saleh

12 August 2025 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
HDHuda Abu Dalal
Huda Abu Dalal
BIBilal Irfan
Bilal Irfan
AEAbdelraouf Elmanama
Abdelraouf Elmanama

22 May 2025 in International Journal of Public Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MWMuaaz Wajahath
Muaaz Wajahath
ENElias Nasser
Elias Nasser
TNTariq Nayfeh
Tariq Nayfeh
BIBilal Irfan
Bilal Irfan
RBRohit Balasundaram
Rohit Balasundaram
KSKhaled J. Saleh
Khaled J. Saleh
Objectives: To categorize and analyze trauma cases from the Gaza war, identifying injury patterns and informing future humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2024 at European Gaza Hospital. Data on demographics and injury types were collected from patients treated by FAJR Scientific’s surgical team. Injuries were classified into primary (directly conflict-related), secondary (indirectly conflict-related), and tertiary (unrelated to the conflict). Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis H test, logistic regression, and Fisher’s Exact Test.Results: Among the 80 surgical cases analyzed, primary injuries were the most common (53%), predominantly affecting males aged 30–39. Secondary injuries accounted for 14% of cases, while tertiary injuries represented 33%. Significant associations were found between age categories and injury classifications (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The prevalence of primary injuries highlights the severe impact of conflict on civilians, particularly middle-aged males. The findings suggest the need for enhanced orthopedic surgical capacity, integrated chronic disease management, and specialized pediatric care in conflict zones. Improved data collection and analysis are essential for optimizing medical interventions and resource allocation.

1 April 2025 in International Orthopaedics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
AGAbdullah Ghali
Abdullah Ghali
HHHarris Hafeez
Harris Hafeez
AAAbdulwhhab Abu Alamrain
Abdulwhhab Abu Alamrain
ZSZina Smadi
Zina Smadi
TQTahir Qasim
Tahir Qasim
AEAli Elaydi
Ali Elaydi