Gaza: Doctors at hospitals run by ActionAid International's partner organization, the Community Return Association, in Gaza, have reported a sharp increase in cases of severe malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with young children. This surge in malnutrition cases is attributed to the ongoing complete blockade on aid entry and the depletion of remaining food supplies.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the organization issued a statement explaining that no food, clean water, medicine, or other essential supplies have entered Gaza for more than 45 days. The Israeli authorities' closure of all border crossings has resulted in the prevention of aid entry, leading to what is described as collective punishment and starvation of the population.
People in Gaza are experiencing hunger, and their health is rapidly deteriorating due to severe food shortages. This has led to the closure of bakeries and community kitchens, while most supplies in markets have been depleted. Pediatrician Wissal Abu Laban, head of the therapeutic nutrition department at the Community Return Association and Hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza, highlighted the impact on pregnant and breastfeeding women, noting an increase in severe and moderate malnutrition among them. This is attributed to anemia and iron deficiency caused by the lack of food and nutritional supplements, affecting pregnancy outcomes.
Abu Laban reported that many babies are being born with low birth weights, often less than 2.5 kilograms, directly correlating with the mothers' nutritional status. She also mentioned cases of miscarriage and hemorrhage due to anemia during pregnancy.
A recent survey by the Nutrition Group found that between 10% and 20% of pregnant and lactating women suffer from malnutrition, while a third of pregnant women in Gaza-about 55,000-face high-risk pregnancies. Despite approximately 130 babies being born in Gaza each day, essential medical supplies are running low, as noted by the World Health Organization.
Malnutrition among young children is also on the rise, with around 60,000 children at risk of serious health complications. Access to treatment has become challenging, with UNICEF forced to close 21 of its nutrition centers due to Israeli shelling or forced eviction orders, affecting hundreds of children.
Reham Jafari, Communications and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine, emphasized the devastating consequences of the complete blockade on aid to Gaza. She highlighted the rise in severe malnutrition among pregnant women and young children, warning of catastrophic lifelong health consequences. Jafari urged the international community to act immediately to end the war, ensure the full withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza as per the ceasefire agreement, and allow immediate access to life-saving aid to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
