The ongoing conflict in Gaza has left one million children at risk of malnutrition and starvation
The dire situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with one million children facing the threat of malnutrition and starvation. The recent visit to the al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, revealed the devastating impact of the conflict on the lives of innocent children. The hospital was filled with patients, including children recovering from injuries sustained during bombings. The medical staff, despite their heroic efforts, are struggling to provide basic care due to depleted supplies of fuel, medicines, and water. The scarcity of nutritious food and safe drinking water has created a public health catastrophe, putting the lives of Gaza’s children at risk.
Food Insecurity and Scarcity of Nutritious Food
The conflict has resulted in a severe shortage of nutritious food in Gaza. With shops closed and food stands replaced by piles of garbage, the one million children in Gaza are now food insecure. The al-Salam Mill, Gaza’s last functional flour mill, was recently hit in an attack and forced to shut down, halting all local flour production. The lack of sufficient quantities of nutritious food puts people at risk of malnutrition and starvation.
Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation
The scarcity of safe drinking water in Gaza is exacerbating the crisis. Nearly 96% of the water supply is considered unfit for human consumption, leading people to access water from unsafe sources that are salty or polluted. Water pumping and wastewater treatment have ceased due to the lack of fuel. This, combined with overcrowding in shelters, increases the risk of disease outbreaks, especially among malnourished children. Acute respiratory and diarrheal infections have already been reported in alarming numbers.
Impact on Pregnant Women and Newborns
The consequences of the nutrition crisis extend beyond the immediate conflict. The United Nations estimates that 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza can no longer access basic antenatal health and nutrition services. Malnourished women face a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to undernourished and vulnerable newborns. Breastfeeding mothers are struggling to feed themselves and their babies, as baby formula is in extremely short supply. The lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood can have long-term effects on physical and cognitive development.
Projection of Child Wasting and Long-Term Effects
Without urgent intervention, child wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, could increase by nearly 30% in Gaza. Up to 5,000 children may experience severe wasting, putting them at imminent risk of death from common illnesses. Even if they survive, their physical growth and cognitive development may be disrupted, leading to chronic health problems, lower educational achievement, and economic insecurity in adulthood. The violence has also halted prevention, screening, and treatment services for malnourished children, leaving them without critical care.
Conclusion:
The nutrition crisis in Gaza’s children is reaching a catastrophic level. Urgent action is needed to provide sustained, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians, ensuring the delivery of essential food, nutrition supplements, fuel, and other supplies. The parties involved in the conflict have the power to prevent further suffering and loss of life. Delaying action will cost lives and exacerbate the long-term effects on Gaza’s children. It is crucial that the international community comes together to address this crisis and provide the support these children urgently need and deserve.
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