Dr. Jumana Odeh is a respected pediatrician and public health expert in the Middle East and founder of the Palestinian Happy Child Center (PHCC) in Ramallah. Since 1994, PHCC has promoted the well-being of children with special needs through early screenings, specialized care, therapy, and support for families. Dr. Odeh’s dedication has helped shift public perception around disabilities in a region where such issues are often overlooked. Starting her medical career in 1981, Dr. Odeh chose to work in government hospitals, prioritizing service over private practice.

Her experience spans positions as a pediatrician at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, faculty member at Al-Quds University, and faculty director at Harvard. She has also held roles with UNICEF, Caritas Baby Hospital, Save the Children in Gaza, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and international organizations like the Swiss Development Cooperation and the Canadian International Development Research Center.

Dr. Odeh frequently appears as a health expert on international and regional media, including CNN, BBC, and Al-Jazeera, and contributes to the International Herald Tribune. Her work has earned her the 2008 Health Award from World of Children Award and the 2013 Humanitarian Hero Award from AidEx, making her the first Arab professional to receive this honor. Through her tireless advocacy, Dr. Odeh continues to impact children’s lives and promote health awareness across the Middle East.