The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Wednesday that more than 8,000 children under the age of five have received treatment for acute malnutrition in the Gaza Strip since the onset of the conflict. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that 28 of these children have tragically succumbed to the condition, highlighting the dire situation facing Gazas population, with many now grappling with severe hunger and famine-like conditions.#BreakingNews‌:World Health Organization chief says over 8,000 children in Gaza have been diagnosed and treated for acute malnutrition pic.twitter.com/XaSe8vkEC3— Halima Khan (@khanhalima18) June 13, 2024Diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition Despite reports of increased food deliveries, there is currently no evidence that the most vulnerable individuals are receiving adequate quantities and quality of food, Tedros emphasized during a press briefing. Efforts have been made by the UN health agency and its partners to expand nutrition services in the besieged Palestinian territory. Tedros noted that among the treated children, 1,600 were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, also known as severe wasting, which is the most fatal form of malnutrition. However, due to ongoing insecurity and limited access, only two stabilization centers for severely malnourished patients are operational at present, Tedros added. Our inability to provide health services safely, coupled with insufficient access to clean water and sanitation, significantly heightens the risk for malnourished children, he underscored.32 deaths due to malnutrition Tedros further revealed that there have been 32 deaths attributed to malnutrition, including 28 among children under the age of five, since the conflict erupted.Israel-Hamas attack The conflict ensued following an attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,194 individuals, predominantly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. In response, the Israeli army launched a devastating offensive on Gaza, resulting in over 37,000 casualties, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-ruled territory. Tedros also highlighted an escalating health crisis in the West Bank, with healthcare facilities and personnel coming under attack, and movement restrictions impeding access to health services.480 attacks on healthcare facilities Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, the WHO has documented 480 attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel in the West Bank, leading to 16 fatalities and 95 injuries in the Palestinian territory. The WHOs surveillance system does not attribute responsibility for attacks on healthcare. In both Gaza and the West Bank, the ultimate solution lies in peace, Tedros concluded. Peace remains the best remedy.
