Dr. Tedros underscored the dire conditions on the ground in Gaza, citing a scarcity of essential resources leading to a struggle for survival among its residents.
He further asserted that power cuts in the Gaza Strip have hindered WHO’s access to crucial information, including data on casualties, deaths, injuries, and other critical details concerning the situation in the region.
He also addressed the healthcare crisis in Gaza, pointing out that only 10 out of 36 hospitals, with a total of 1400 beds, are currently operational.
This limited capacity is at risk of being further compromised as there is a shortage of fuel essential for various basic hospital functions.
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Dr. Tedros conveyed the distressing situation where many health workers have been displaced, compelled to flee alongside their families.
This displacement has far-reaching consequences for the healthcare system in Gaza, resulting in an alarming increase in casualties with a simultaneous decrease in essential resources such as beds, healthcare professionals, medications, and supplies.
The repercussions extend to the most vulnerable, with life-support systems shutting down, tragically leading to the loss of premature infants.
The interruption of treatments poses a severe threat to over 2,000 cancer patients, 1,000 individuals with kidney disease, 50,000 facing cardiovascular issues, and 60,000 managing diabetes.
The challenges are not limited to specific health conditions, as the daily childbirth of up to 200 women occurs in unimaginably challenging conditions.
Additionally, an estimated 20,000 individuals, whose number is on the rise, need specialized mental health services, underscoring the broader impact on the well-being of the population.
In overcrowded shelters housing displaced populations, there is a concerning surge in respiratory and skin infections.