WHO Calls for Protection of Health System in Gaza

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned on Wednesday that "the overcrowding of populations in areas of the Gaza Strip may lead to the spread of infectious diseases." He explained during a press conference in Geneva that "only 15 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are still operational and completely overcrowded," adding, "Out of 25 hospitals in northern Gaza before the outbreak of conflict, only three are operating at a very basic level, yet they lack fuel, water, and food." Ghebreyesus emphasized that "the remaining capacities of the health system must be protected, supported, and expanded," stating, "With severe overcrowding, the risks of outbreaks of respiratory infections, acute watery diarrhea, hepatitis, scabies, lice, and other diseases are increasing." He noted that "1.3 million people are currently living in shelters in Gaza," pointing out that "the sector has recorded 111,000 cases of acute respiratory infection, 24,000 cases of skin rashes, and 12,000 cases of scabies since the conflict began."