Healthcare Crisis in Gaza: War Exacerbates Dire Situation, Overwhelms System, and Increases Infectious Diseases, Malnutrition, and Dehydration

Healthcare Crisis in Gaza: War Exacerbates Dire Situation, Overwhelms System, and Increases Infectious Diseases, Malnutrition, and Dehydration

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has worsened the already dire situation in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a healthcare system that is overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate treatment to the sick. Infectious diseases have surged in Gaza as a result, with respiratory infections being the most common. The World Health Organization has reported at least 369,000 cases, although this number does not include cases in the northern region where the health system has been decimated. The dire living conditions for displaced Palestinians, including limited access to clean water and sanitation, have further exacerbated the spread of diseases. Malnutrition, anemia, and dehydration cases among children have also increased. Urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
War 13.12.2023

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has exacerbated the already dire situation in the Gaza Strip, leaving the healthcare system overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate treatment to those who have fallen ill. The collapse of Gaza's health system has caused a surge in infectious diseases, with the World Health Organization reporting at least 369,000 cases since the war began. However, this number does not even include cases in northern Gaza, where the health system has been decimated. Respiratory infections are the most common diseases, posing a significant risk to Palestinians, especially children, older adults, and the immunocompromised, due to the dire living conditions. The situation for displaced Palestinians in Gaza is dire, with limited access to clean water and sanitation exacerbating the spread of diseases. Many families, like Samah al-Farra's, have been drinking foul-smelling water and living in unsanitary conditions. The collapse of the primary healthcare system has left many in need of basic medical care without treatment. Moreover, hospitals that are still functioning are primarily focused on providing critical care for trauma injuries from airstrikes, leaving postoperative care in unsanitary conditions and resulting in severe infections. The dire situation has also led to an increase in malnutrition, anemia, and dehydration cases among children. Displaced people in U.N.-run shelters are sharing bathrooms without running water, and the accumulation of fecal matter on the streets further contaminates water sources. The lack of access to basic necessities like blankets and warm clothes has also become a concern as the weather turns cold and rainy. Overall, the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis, and urgent action is needed to address the healthcare and living conditions of the people affected by the war.

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