DayofPal– The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that its partners in Gaza are witnessing a troubling surge in premature births and maternal death, as the ongoing atrocities of Israel’s war intensifies the humanitarian crisis.
A report from the UNFPA, released on November 1, reveals that nearly 1.9 million people, including 43,000 pregnant mothers, have been displaced from their homes, many multiple times, as Gaza’s infrastructure collapses. The ongoing crisis has left them with limited access to vital resources such as food, water, and healthcare.
“Sexual and reproductive healthcare, including postnatal and family planning services, have become severely limited for 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, who face serious health risks due to a lack of prenatal and postnatal care,” UNFPA said.
Many women are being forced to give birth without access to medical support, it added.
“Complicated and high-risk pregnancies linked with negative outcomes have increased, while access to safe childbirth services has dramatically decreased, especially in the North.”
“Menstrual hygiene has also become nearly impossible to manage, as over 690,000 menstruating women lack access to basic sanitary supplies.”
The report revealed that the price of basic necessities like soap has soared by a staggering 1,100%, leaving many unable to maintain hygiene and heightening women’s vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
In northern Gaza, only two of 20 health centers and two hospitals—Kamal Adwan and Al Awda, both crucial for emergency obstetric care—are still operating, albeit in a limited capacity, as they struggle to function without essential supplies, fuel, food, or water.
This critical shortage threatens to further limit access to maternal healthcare for approximately 14,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in the northern areas.
With hunger spreading throughout Gaza, the region teeters on the edge of famine. Around 1.84 million people, including 42,000 pregnant women, are facing dire levels of food insecurity.
“Conditions are so dire that over 3,000 pregnant women are already experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity (IPC5), a number that could surge to 8,000 as winter sets in.”
“Over 15,000 pregnant women are on the verge of catastrophic levels of hunger. Without sustained aid, acute malnutrition (IPC3) is expected to affect 16,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women across Gaza in the coming months.”
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