Background on the Situation in Gaza
Gaza, a Palestinian territory, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. One in four residents suffers from malnutrition, including 11,500 pregnant women. This dire situation has prompted a warning from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that the malnutrition among pregnant women will have “generational effects” and likely require lifelong care for newborns.
UNFPA Representative’s Recent Mission
Andrew Saberton, a UNFPA representative, recently completed a mission to Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. He described the situation in Gaza as “devastating,” comparing it to a dystopian movie set during a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York.
Key Findings from the Mission
- High Malnutrition Rates: One in four Gaza residents suffers from malnutrition, including 11,500 pregnant women.
- Premature and Low-Birth-Weight Babies: 70% of newborns are premature and low-birth-weight, compared to 20% in October 2023.
- Overcrowded Neonatal Units: Neonatal units are operating at 170% capacity, forcing multiple babies to share incubators.
- High-Risk Pregnancies: One in three pregnancies is considered high-risk, and the maternal mortality rate is high.
- Lack of Medical Supplies and Infrastructure: 94% of hospitals are damaged or destroyed, with only 15% providing emergency obstetric care. Shortages of contraceptives lead some women to seek unsafe abortions.
- Menstrual Health Issues: For 700,000 women and girls, menstruation is a struggle due to the lack of privacy, clean water, hygiene products, and sanitary pads. This results in an estimated 170,000 people suffering from severe menstrual or reproductive health problems.
Current Aid Efforts and Challenges
Since the ceasefire on October 10, the UNFPA has been able to deliver aid and distribute medical supplies and equipment already positioned in Gaza, which records 130 daily births, according to Saberton.
However, he emphasized that the allowed aid flow “far from meets the necessary amount.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation in Gaza regarding malnutrition among pregnant women? One in four residents, including 11,500 pregnant women, suffers from malnutrition. This has led to a 70% rate of premature and low-birth-weight babies.
- What challenges does Gaza’s healthcare system face? The healthcare system struggles with overcrowded neonatal units, high-risk pregnancies, and a lack of medical supplies and infrastructure. Shortages of contraceptives also force some women to seek unsafe abortions.
- How does the current aid situation in Gaza compare to the needed amount? The UNFPA has been able to deliver some aid, but the flow “far from meets the necessary amount” to address the crisis.
