WHO Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire but Highlights Immense Health Challenges Ahead
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and the associated hostage and prisoner release deal, bringing a glimmer of hope to millions whose lives have been devastated by the ongoing conflict. However, the road to recovery for Gaza Ceasefire health system is fraught with immense challenges, compounded by widespread destruction and operational constraints.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The health crisis in Gaza Ceasefire is staggering. The population has endured multiple displacements, resulting in catastrophic consequences for healthcare infrastructure and services. Over 46,600 people have been killed, and more than 110,000 have been injured, with real figures likely much higher. Alarmingly, approximately 30,000 people—or 25% of the injured—suffer from life-altering injuries, necessitating long-term rehabilitation.
Only 50% of Gaza Ceasefire36 hospitals remain partially operational, and nearly all have sustained damage or partial destruction. Just 38% of primary healthcare centers are functional. Specialized healthcare services are largely unavailable, and medical evacuations abroad face significant delays. Meanwhile, the transmission of infectious diseases has surged, malnutrition rates are climbing, and the looming threat of famine persists. Gaza Ceasefire The breakdown of public order, exacerbated by the presence of armed gangs, further complicates the situation.
Rebuilding Gaza’s Health System
Restoring Gaza Ceasefire health system will require addressing enormous needs in the face of severe destruction and operational hurdles. The recovery effort is estimated to necessitate billions of dollars in investment, Gaza Ceasefire demanding unwavering support from donors and the international community.
WHO is poised to escalate its response in collaboration with UN health partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNRWA, and 67 Health Cluster partners. However, several critical conditions must be met to enable effective intervention:
- Unhindered Security and Access: Security obstacles hindering operations must be removed. WHO needs systematic access to the population across Gaza Ceasefire, along with unrestricted aid delivery through all available borders and routes. Restrictions on the entry of essential items must also be lifted.
- Protection of Civilians and Health Workers: Active measures must be taken to protect civilians and healthcare workers.
- Expedited Medical Evacuations: Over 12,000 patients urgently requiring specialized care need accelerated medical evacuations through all possible routes. Additionally, the referral system to East Jerusalem and the West Bank must be strengthened and expedited.
- Infrastructure Repairs: Essential infrastructure, including roads, rubble removal, and remediation of unexploded ordnances, needs urgent attention to facilitate aid delivery and medical evacuations.
Immediate and Long-Term Priorities
WHO and its partners will implement a 60-day plan focusing on urgent restoration and expansion of Gaza’s health system. Key priority areas include:
- Trauma and Emergency Care: Strengthening trauma services to address the vast number of injured individuals.
- Primary Healthcare: Expanding comprehensive primary healthcare services, including child health, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Rehabilitation Services: Scaling up rehabilitation efforts for individuals with life-changing injuries.
- Mental Health Support: Providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to address the widespread psychological toll of the conflict.
In addition, WHO is mobilizing critical supplies and resources to meet immediate health needs. Efforts include:
- Rehabilitation of Health Facilities: Assessing and rehabilitating partially damaged health facilities in high-need areas.
- Increasing Hospital Capacity: Expanding bed capacity in selected hospitals across northern and southern Gaza, along with operational support.
- Health Workforce Development: Supporting the hiring and redistribution of national health workers, as well as deploying international health workers to address gaps.
- Prefabricated Clinics: Integrating prefabricated clinics and hospitals with existing health facilities to enhance service delivery in underserved and newly accessible areas.
Addressing Malnutrition and Disease
Given the high rates of malnutrition and the increased prevalence of infectious diseases, WHO is collaborating with partners to:
- Expand Feeding Programs: Strengthen infant and young child feeding programs.
- Enhance Immunization Efforts: Boost vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Reinforce Disease Surveillance: Improve surveillance systems for timely prevention, reporting, and management of disease outbreaks.
A Call for Global Commitment
WHO is urging all parties involved to uphold their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire agreement. A political solution to the protracted crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory is essential for lasting peace and the sustainable recovery of Gaza’s health system.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized the critical need for international solidarity, stating, “Rebuilding Gaza’s health system will require a collective effort from the global community. We must prioritize the health and dignity of those affected, ensuring access to essential healthcare for all.
Read more: Gaza Ceasefire Brings Hope, but Health System Challenges Remain