Gaza’s unfolding health catastrophe |
THE past year has witnessed an unprecedented deterioration in health conditions in Gaza, driven by prolonged conflict, widespread infrastructure destruction and severe restrictions on humanitarian access.
The health system has been pushed to the brink of collapse, with compounding challenges affecting all dimensions of public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, women and the elderly. One of the most critical challenges has been the collapse of the healthcare system. A large proportion of hospitals and health facilities have been damaged or rendered non-functional due to ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that only a limited number of hospitals remain partially operational, while others struggle with shortages of electricity, fuel, essential medicines and medical supplies. Overcrowding in functioning hospitals has become routine, with facilities handling mass casualty incidents daily and patients often treated in corridors or without adequate equipment.
Another major concern is the acute shortage of healthcare workers and resources. Many healthcare professionals have been killed, injured or displaced, further weakening service delivery. The remaining workforce operates under extreme stress, often without adequate supplies such as antibiotics, oxygen and surgical equipment. This shortage severely limits the ability to provide life-saving care, particularly for trauma cases, maternal health and neonatal services. Malnutrition and food insecurity have emerged as one of the most severe public health crises. Food supply disruptions, limited access to humanitarian aid and economic collapse have led to widespread hunger. Thousands of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, with some cases resulting in death. Surveys indicate that a significant proportion of children consume inadequate and nutritionally poor diets, increasing their vulnerability to infections and long-term developmental issues. Even when food aid improves temporarily, the situation remains fragile and reversible due to inconsistent access and damaged food systems.
Closely linked to malnutrition is the rise in communicable diseases, particularly waterborne and infectious diseases. Damage to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure has severely limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. As a result, outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and other infections have increased, posing significant risks, especially to children. Preventable diseases are spreading rapidly due to overcrowded living conditions, poor hygiene and disrupted vaccination services. The disruption of immunization and primary healthcare services has further compounded health risks. Routine vaccination programs have been interrupted, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio. Primary healthcare services are overstretched, with limited capacity to manage chronic diseases, maternal health and child health needs. Mobile clinics and emergency interventions provide some relief, but they are insufficient to meet the scale of demand.
Another pressing issue is the mental health crisis affecting the population. Continuous exposure to violence, displacement, loss of family members and uncertainty has resulted in widespread psychological trauma. Children are particularly affected, with many experiencing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A significant proportion of Gaza’s child population requires urgent mental health and psychosocial support, highlighting the long-term impact of the crisis on human development. Mass displacement and overcrowding have also contributed to deteriorating health conditions. A large majority of the population has been displaced, often living in overcrowded shelters or temporary camps with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare. These conditions facilitate the rapid spread of diseases and exacerbate malnutrition and mental health issues. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, newborns and the elderly, face heightened risks due to limited access to specialized care.
The health of women and newborns has been particularly affected. Maternal healthcare services are severely disrupted and hospitals lack essential supplies for safe deliveries. Reports indicate that newborns often share limited medical resources such as oxygen, while mothers face unsafe and overcrowded conditions during childbirth. This has increased the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality and complications. Additionally, injuries and disabilities resulting from conflict have placed a long-term burden on the health system. Thousands of individuals, including children, have sustained severe injuries, many requiring rehabilitation and long-term care. The lack of rehabilitation services and assistive devices further complicates recovery and integration into society.
Finally, the limited humanitarian access and funding gaps remain a significant barrier to addressing these challenges. Despite large-scale international appeals, funding remains insufficient to meet the growing needs. Restrictions on aid delivery, logistical challenges and security concerns hinder the timely provision of essential health and nutrition services, leaving millions without adequate support. In conclusion, the health challenges in Gaza over the past year represent a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by the collapse of healthcare services, widespread malnutrition, disease outbreaks, mental health trauma and systemic barriers to care. Addressing these challenges requires sustained international support, improved humanitarian access and long-term strategies to rebuild the health system and ensure resilience against future crises.
—The writer is Public Health Consultant.