Gaza
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating health situation in Gaza. In a detailed post on X, he highlighted the challenges of overcrowding, inadequate access to food, water, sanitation, and basic hygiene, all of which contribute to the rapid spread of diseases. Currently, 1.3 million people are residing in shelters in Gaza during the ongoing humanitarian pause negotiated between Israel and Hamas. Ghebreyesus outlined the alarming number of cases for various health issues, including acute respiratory infections (111,000), scabies (12,000), lice (11,000), diarrhea (36,000), skin rash (24,000), impetigo (2,500), chickenpox (2,500), and jaundice (1,100). The WHO chief emphasized the heightened risk of disease outbreaks, stating, Given the living conditions and lack of health care, more people could die from disease than bombings. We need a sustained ceasefire. Now. It’s a matter of life or death for civilians. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) shelters have led to a significant increase in communicable diseases, including reports of disease outbreaks such as Hepatitis. The conflict has displaced up to 1.8 million people in Gaza, with nearly 80% of the population affected. Approximately 1.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are registered in 156 UNRWA facilities, while an additional 191,000 IDPs are estimated to be staying in various venues, including public schools, hospitals, and community centers. The Gaza city municipality has also issued warnings about the health and environmental consequences of the accumulation of more than 35 tonnes of solid waste in the city. Challenges in waste management arise due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli military on transferring waste to the main landfill near Gaza’s perimeter fence. Concerns persist about dehydration and waterborne diseases due to water consumption from unsafe sources, adding to the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
