Doctors alarmed at rising meningitis cases in Gaza’s children
The World Health Organization and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) warn that conditions in Gaza after 21 months of war have increased the risks of meningitis spreading.
“There’s been a rise in meningitis cases in children,” said Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories. “We are very concerned.”
At Nasser Hospital in southern Khan Younis, Dr Ahmad al-Farra, head of the paediatrics and maternity department, reported nearly 40 cases of newly admitted viral and bacterial meningitis in the last week.
In Gaza City to the north, the paediatrics department at al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital has recorded hundreds of cases in recent weeks.
Hospitals still operating are overwhelmed with beds full and severe shortages of vital antibiotics. “There is no space in the hospitals,” said Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for MSF in Gaza. “There is no space to isolate.”
Airborne and life-threatening bacterial meningitis can spread in overcrowded tents, according to the WHO. Viral meningitis, though less serious, often spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning it can easily spread in shelters with poor sanitation.
Children among wounded after Israeli attack on al-Mawasi
The Civil Defence agency in Gaza says its crews transported several wounded Palestinians, mostly children and women, after Israeli warplanes targeted the tents of displaced people in the al-Mawasi area.
This is the area, located in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, that Israel calls a “humanitarian zone”, but has targeted numerous times with deadly effect for civilians.
WHO to organise delivery of limited medical supplies: Gaza ministry
The Health Ministry has said trucks carrying medical supplies are scheduled to enter hospitals in Gaza via the World Health Organization on Tuesday. The shipments do not contain any food items.
“The expected items are of critical importance and urgently needed to continue providing medical care to the wounded and sick and to save lives,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The ministry urges all respected citizens, community leaders, families, and relevant parties to make every effort to protect the convoy, avoid any interference with the trucks, and ensure their safe arrival at hospitals to save the lives of patients and the injured.”
Gaza babies face deadly malnutrition as aid access blocked: UNICEF
Thousands of babies in Gaza lack proper nutrition as aid remains severely restricted by Israel, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has warned.
Many mothers have been killed or are too malnourished to breastfeed, leaving infants at risk of dying or suffering permanent health damage, Russell said.
“Every minute counts in saving their lives,” she added.
