90 PCT OF PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN IN THE GAZA STRIP SUFFER FROM SEVERE MALNUTRITION - WHO

GENEVA, April 7 (Bernama-WAFA) -- World Health Organisation (WHO) spokesperson Margaret Harris said that 90 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip suffer from severe malnutrition, and that the lack of medical equipment prevents them from receiving the necessary treatment, Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported.

In press statements on the occasion of World Health Week, which runs from April 7 to 13 of each year, Harris reviewed the deteriorating health situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a genocidal Israeli war for about a year and a half.

She noted that the health of mothers and children in Gaza has witnessed a sharp deterioration since the start of the Israeli war on October 7, 2023.

She explained that 90 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women and thousands of children suffer from severe malnutrition.

Harris emphasised that many women and children in Gaza are in dire need of treatment.

She said, "Many of them are in dire need of treatment. No food or medical aid is currently reaching Gaza. Mothers and children are already suffering, and the situation is worsening by the day."

She spoke about the period of temporary ceasefire before Israel resumed its genocide, saying, "During the nearly two-month lull, some hospitals were able to resume services, and we were able to send medical teams. We received good international support."

She added, "However, after the truce ended, many health centres were destroyed, including Nasser Hospital."

She noted that "there are approximately 20 hospitals still partially operating in Gaza, but they are unable to function without medical supplies."

She added, "We are currently unable to deliver these supplies. Medical staff are exhausted and lack the equipment even to transfuse blood, and patients have horrific injuries and severe bleeding. Yet, when you speak to them, they say they are still there to serve the people."

Harris expressed her gratitude to all health workers working under extremely difficult conditions, adding, "We thank every health worker who gives their all every day to save lives and improve health and well-being, despite all the challenges."

Since October 7, 2023, the occupying forces have launched an aggression against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of 50,752 citizens, the majority of whom were children and women, and the injury of 115,475 others.

This is a preliminary toll, with a number of victims still under the rubble and on the streets, unable to be reached by ambulances and rescue teams.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA