GAZA (Palestine Foundation Information Center) UN Women has released a report on the health situation in Gaza, titled “Gaza: A War on Women’s Health.” The new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the health sector crisis in Gaza and its impact on the physical and mental health of women and girls.
After more than 11 months of war, the healthcare system in Gaza has almost collapsed, the report said.
Nearly 84 percent of health facility buildings have been destroyed or damaged, and those remaining in service lack medicines, ambulances, basic life-saving treatment, electricity, and water, according to the UN Women report.
The report estimated that more than 177,000 women face life-threatening health risks, including 162,000, who have or are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular or hypertensive diseases; and 15,000 pregnant women who are at the brink of famine.
“Pregnant and lactating women are facing severe complications and experiencing infections, anemia, and hypertension. Some 68 percent of pregnant women surveyed have suffered from urinary tract infections, anemia, hypertensive disorders, vaginal bleeding, or hemorrhage. The lack of sexual and reproductive health services is another area of concern.”
“Despite this serious decline in their overall health, women are also the main caregivers for their families, eating last and least under severe hunger and starvation conditions. The new risk of polio is adding new challenges to a health system already operating with the bare minimum.”
“Too many women in Gaza are at risk of dying from medical complications after months without any medication, limited access to doctors and no treatment for serious illnesses like diabetes or cancer. It is imperative that we act swiftly to save their lives. An immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the provision of safe, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and access to medicines and health services throughout Gaza are essential to prevent further deterioration,” said UN Women’s Regional Director for Arab States, Moez Doraid.
