DaysofPal- Medical relief officials in Gaza have warned that deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions in the territory are creating an environment ripe for the spread of diseases and epidemics amid severe shortages of vaccines, medicines, and medical supplies.
Dr. Bassam Zaqout, director of medical relief in Gaza, said Wednesday that declining vaccination rates among children are fueling growing concerns about the resurgence of preventable diseases.
He noted that shipments of essential medicines and health supplies remain delayed and have yet to enter the territory, further weakening an already fragile healthcare system.
Zaqout highlighted that the worsening waste management crisis and fuel shortages needed to operate municipal services are compounding public health risks.
With summer approaching and increased population movement, particularly among displaced communities and children, the likelihood of disease transmission is rising.
He explained that controlling the spread of illness in Gaza depends on three key factors: the continuation of vaccination programs, access to proper hygiene and safe water, and the ability to manage disease vectors such as rodents, mosquitoes, and insects.
However, all three elements are currently severely compromised due to overcrowding, displacement, and limited resources.
In addition to vaccine-preventable diseases, Zaqout warned of other health threats linked to current environmental conditions, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and hepatitis A, which can spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation.
He also pointed to the growing prevalence of hygiene-related conditions such as scabies and pediculosis, noting that infection rates have at times exceeded 20 percent.
While these conditions are typically treatable, he said the lack of medication and basic necessities, such as facilities to wash and disinfect clothing or reliable electricity, has made containment efforts increasingly difficult.
Health officials warn that without urgent intervention and the entry of medical supplies, Gaza could face a broader public health emergency in the coming months.
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