Hope Amidst Struggles: The Ceasefire in Gaza and the Urgent Need to Revitalize the Health System

The World Health Organization (WHO) is hopeful about the recent ceasefire in Gaza. This agreement also includes a deal for the release of hostages and prisoners. It gives hope to many who have suffered due to ongoing conflict.

However, the health situation in Gaza is dire. Over 46,600 people have lost their lives, and more than 110,000 have been injured. Many individuals have experienced multiple displacements. Unfortunately, only half of the 36 hospitals in Gaza are partly operational. Nearly all hospitals have sustained damage, and just 38% of primary health care centers are functioning. Around 30,000 people—about 25% of those injured—now face life-changing injuries and will need long-term rehabilitation.

The healthcare system struggles to provide specialized care, and medical evacuations for urgent cases are unacceptably slow. Additionally, the risk of infectious diseases is rising, malnutrition is becoming more common, and the threat of famine looms. The breakdown of law and order due to armed gangs adds to these challenges.

Restoring the healthcare system will be a significant challenge. There is a pressing need for substantial investments, and the support of the international community and donors is crucial.

WHO is prepared to enhance the response alongside its UN partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNRWA. However, to be effective, security issues must be resolved. WHO requires safe access to the people in Gaza, allowing aid to reach them through all available routes. Additionally, it is vital to protect civilians and healthcare workers, expedite the evacuation of over 12,000 patients needing specialized care, and repair crucial roads.

Significant funding is needed to meet immediate health requirements and to rebuild the healthcare system. WHO and its partners are developing a 60-day action plan focusing on critical areas like trauma care, primary healthcare, child health, and mental health support.

Given the urgent needs, WHO is ramping up its operations and mobilizing essential supplies for Gaza. Efforts are focused on assessing and repairing damaged health facilities and increasing bed capacity in hospitals. Plans are also in motion to deploy more healthcare workers and integrate temporary clinics with existing health services.

As malnutrition and disease outbreaks rise, WHO is working with partners to enhance feeding programs for infants and young children, boost immunization efforts, and strengthen disease surveillance systems.

WHO urges all parties to honor the ceasefire agreement and to seek a lasting political solution to the ongoing crisis in the region. This is essential for achieving peace and rebuilding lives.

Source link