DayofPal—Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, head of the Pediatrics and Maternity Department at Nasser Medical Complex, has raised alarm over the growing number of malnutrition cases among children in Gaza, revealing that the hospital receives around 160 cases each week.
On Monday, Al-Farra said the ongoing crisis has severely impacted the quality and availability of food, with many families relying heavily on canned and frozen supplies, some of which are expired.
He noted that malnutrition has persisted for nearly three years, posing serious long-term risks to children’s health and development.
According to Al-Farra, the consequences include delayed growth and puberty, short stature, and reduced cognitive performance, warning that children are entering a dangerous cycle of health complications that could affect future generations.
The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where prolonged war and restrictions have led to worsening economic conditions and declining food security.
Many families depend on limited food aid amid a severe shortage of fresh and diverse food supplies.
Healthcare services are also under immense pressure due to the rising number of patients and shortages of essential medicines and resources, limiting their ability to adequately respond to the growing malnutrition crisis, particularly among children, who remain the most vulnerable.
Al-Farra also pointed out that between 60 to 70 percent of children in Gaza suffer from anemia, along with nearly 60 percent of pregnant women.
Despite slight improvements, he stressed that these figures remain far below acceptable health standards and warned that continued restrictions could further deteriorate the situation.
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