Personal Info
- Country of residence: Palestine
Information
Dr. Riyad Deeb Al-Zaanoun was born in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City on October 1, 1937. He began his educational journey at the Imam Al-Shafi’i School in Gaza City, followed by the Al-Zaytoun School. He completed his secondary studies at the Palestine School in 1954, where his passion for science and learning earned him a leadership position among his peers.
With aspirations set on Egypt, Dr. Al-Zaanoun enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University, earning his degree in 1960. Following a year of training at Al-Qasr Al-Aini Hospital, he returned to Gaza in 1962 to commence his medical career.
Dr. Al-Zaanoun initially worked as a general physician at Dar Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza before pursuing postgraduate studies in Cairo, specializing in internal diseases and completing his studies in 1963. He then returned to Gaza, becoming the first specialist in internal medicine in the Southern District at that time.
In 1965, Dr. Al-Zaanoun was appointed head of department at Al-Shifa Hospital, demonstrating his virtue and capability in the healthcare sector. However, continuous harassment and persecution by the Israeli occupation forces prompted him to leave Gaza for Kuwait in late 1969. He served as a doctor at Al-Sabah Governmental Hospital and was actively involved with the Palestinian Red Crescent during his time in Kuwait.
Subsequently, Dr. Al-Zaanoun relocated to Qatar, where he established a clinic that later evolved into a medical center. He remained in Qatar for eighteen years until the outbreak of the Iraq War in 1990. Like many prominent Palestinian figures, he left for the United States, eventually returning to Gaza in 1992.
With the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, Dr. Al-Zaanoun played a pivotal role in reclaiming civil administration responsibilities from the Israeli occupation authority. He was appointed Minister of Health in the first Palestinian government in May 1994, spearheading significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure and services across the Palestinian territories.
Following his tenure as Minister of Health, Dr. Al-Zaanoun continued to contribute to various charitable and educational initiatives in Gaza, serving in leadership roles and making valuable contributions to society.
Dr. Riyad Deeb Al-Zaanoun currently resides in Gaza City, enjoying good health, and remains active in community affairs. He is a proud father of two sons, Ahmed and Ihab, and a daughter named Amal.
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