AMMAN, Jordan – The World Health Organisation (WHO) plans to expand emergency and trauma services, maintain access to health services, treat chronic conditions, and implement measures to monitor and combat the spread of diseases, particularly in displacement sites.
The organisation highlighted that the health system in the besieged Gaza Strip has been severely strained by air strikes and shortages of essential supplies like medical resources, food, water, and fuel.
“This existing strain on resources has been further exacerbated,” reported Jordan’s Petra news agency.
WHO emphasised that hospitals are operating well beyond their capacity due to the overwhelming influx of patients and displaced civilians seeking shelter. This surge in demand has seriously compromised the provision of health services, ranging from maternal and neonatal care to the treatment of chronic conditions.
The statement noted that the Israeli war against Gaza and hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territories have resulted in a high number of civilian casualties, with thousands killed or injured, and over 1.4 million people displaced.
As of Oct 24, there have been 171 reported attacks on healthcare facilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, resulting in the tragic loss of 493 lives and the injury of 387 others. Among these incidents, 56 targeted health facilities, and 130 attacks were directed towards health workers.
WHO expressed grave concern over the near-collapse of the healthcare system, coupled with the dwindling access to crucial services like healthcare, clean water, food, and fuel.
This fragile state of the healthcare system poses a significant threat to civilian lives, and the mass migration to shelters lacking sufficient resources raises the risk of a disease outbreak. – Bernama
