In the Gaza Strip, a severe outbreak of skin diseases is plaguing children living in overcrowded refugee camps. Health officials attribute the crisis to the deplorable living conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the breakdown of sanitation systems.
Alarming Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 103,000 cases of lice and scabies and 65,000 cases of skin rashes have been reported. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also notes that since the beginning of the war, more than 1 million cases of acute respiratory infections, over 500,000 cases of acute diarrhea, and more than 100,000 cases of jaundice have been recorded.
Harsh Living Conditions
The situation is dire as over 1.8 million people, out of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, have been displaced. They are now crowded into a small coastal area with almost no sewage system and limited access to clean water. Basic hygiene is nearly impossible; there is a severe shortage of soap, shampoo, and clean water. Children are particularly vulnerable, with many suffering from painful and itchy skin conditions that spread rapidly due to close living quarters and lack of proper treatment.
Strain on Healthcare System
Nasser Hospital in central Gaza is overwhelmed, receiving 300 to 500 patients daily with skin diseases. Dr. Nassim Basala, a dermatologist at the hospital, notes that even simple infections like impetigo can become dangerous due to the lack of timely treatment and the scarcity of creams and ointments. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many people cannot afford the necessary medications.
Humanitarian Challenges
The distribution of humanitarian supplies, including essential medicines and hygiene products, has been severely hampered by ongoing Israeli military operations and general lawlessness in the region. This has made it extremely difficult for relief trucks to reach those in need. The UNDP reports that Gaza’s pre-war waste management system has collapsed, with over 140 informal dumping sites now in use, some of which are giant pools of human waste and garbage.
Human Impact
Parents are left struggling to comfort their children, who suffer from painful and persistent skin conditions. Many families report that even when they receive treatment, the lack of basic hygiene products means the conditions quickly return. The ongoing conflict and displacement have made it nearly impossible for families to maintain even the most basic standards of cleanliness.
This crisis highlights the urgent need for improved living conditions, increased access to clean water and hygiene supplies, and a more effective distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
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