WHO Issues Stark Warning on Lasting Effects of Hunger for Gaza’s Youth Generation

Rik Peeperkorn emphasized on Tuesday that residents of Gaza find themselves caught in a perilous cycle, where malnutrition compromises immune systems, diseases proliferate swiftly amid the scarcity of clean water and adequate sanitation, and access to healthcare is nearly impossible.

According to the official, observations in clinics have revealed children who appear significantly younger than their actual age.

Peeperkorn stated that a lack of adequate nutrition, clean water, and healthcare access could have lasting impacts on an entire generation.

A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the deteriorating health conditions among children in the blockaded area, highlighting concerns over malnutrition, stunted growth, and diminished cognitive development.

He characterized the scenario as “one of the globe’s most severe hunger crises,” attributing it to the “intentional obstruction” of humanitarian assistance, encompassing food and medical provisions.

Should the situation continue to deteriorate, approximately 71,000 children under the age of five may face acute malnutrition over the course of the next eleven months, according to statements made by Peeperkorn.

According to recent reports, the continuation of the current circumstances may lead to an alarming crisis where as many as 500,000 individuals could face the threat of starvation. Additionally, it is projected that one million people will endure severe hardships over the upcoming four to five months, with another 500,000 experiencing moderate levels of impact.

He observed that in such crises, starvation is usually not the primary cause of mortality.

He stated that death typically does not occur directly from starvation but rather from diseases related to it.

Officials reported distressing scenes of children afflicted by pneumonia and gastroenteritis in overcrowded hospitals, conditions exacerbated by widespread hunger and a shortage of clean water.

He reported a steep decline in vaccine coverage, accompanied by an increase in risks to child protection.

A representative announced challenges in sustaining operations at 19 malnutrition treatment centers, citing a depletion of necessary supplies.

Current medical supplies within Gaza are sufficient to treat only 500 children, a figure that represents merely a fraction of the pressing demand.

Since March 2, a devastating toll of 57 children has succumbed to the harrowing effects of malnutrition in Gaza, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Peeperkorn reported that a minimum of 57 children in Gaza have succumbed to malnutrition-related causes following the imposition of a total blockade that began on March 2.

The medical evacuations from Gaza continue to face significant limitations and challenges, according to recent reports.

In other statements, Peeperkorn emphasized the urgent need to lift the aid blockade, ensure the protection of healthcare services, and establish a ceasefire that paves the way for enduring peace in the beleaguered area.

Gaza has been deprived of food supplies for over two months, with Israel intensifying its stringent blockade on the territory.

Israel has acknowledged the suspension of essential supplies, including food and water, to Gaza as a strategic measure aimed at exerting pressure on Palestinian resistance factions.

Since October 2023, more than 52,900 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza due to a severe military campaign by Israeli forces, with the majority of the casualties being women and children.