GAZA, (The Palestinian Information Center) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned of a troubling rise in child malnutrition rates across the Gaza Strip.
In a press statement, UNICEF said the latest data shows a record-high percentage of children suffering from acute malnutrition in August.
According to the organization, the overall rate of acute malnutrition among children screened in Gaza increased to 13.5% last month, up from 8.3% in July.
In Gaza City, where famine has officially been confirmed, the situation is even more dire. 19% of children were treated for acute malnutrition in August, compared to 16% in July.
“One in five children in Gaza City was diagnosed with acute malnutrition in August and needed life-saving nutritional support from UNICEF.”
Russell added that although UNICEF has managed to bring additional aid supplies into Gaza, the ongoing Israeli attacks have forced approximately 10 nutrition centers to shut down, putting even more children at risk.
She emphasized the need to protect nutritional services in Gaza City and across the entire Strip, saying, “No child should suffer from preventable malnutrition, especially when we have the tools to treat it, as long as we can safely deliver aid.”
According to official government and medical statistics, the total number of deaths due to malnutrition in Gaza has reached 411, including 142 children. Additionally, an estimated 650,000 children are at risk of dying from malnutrition, hunger, and food scarcity.
The situation is especially dire for infants: 40,000 babies under one-year-old are facing life-threatening conditions due to the lack of baby formula and milk supplies amid Israel’s continued blockade.
