The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about concerning developments in the spread of diseases in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli airstrikes have disrupted the region’s health system, access to clean water, and led to crowded shelters, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Desalination plants have shut down due to a lack of fuel, heightening the potential for bacterial infections like diarrhea.
Since mid-October, over 33,551 cases of diarrhea have been reported, primarily among children under five. The fuel shortage has also hindered solid waste collection, creating conditions conducive to the proliferation of disease-carrying insects and rodents.
Maintaining infection prevention measures in health centers has become nearly impossible, raising the risk of infection related to trauma, surgery, and childbirth.
Disruptions in routine vaccination activities and a shortage of medicines for treating communicable diseases further contribute to the heightened risk of disease spread.
-Reuters
