Gaza Health Crisis: Hospitals Overwhelmed, WHO Warns
Gaza’s Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse: WHO Reports Critical Shortages and Rising Disease
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The healthcare system in Gaza is facing catastrophic collapse, with hospitals overwhelmed, critical supplies depleted, and disease outbreaks escalating, according to the World Health Association (WHO). A recent briefing from Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the West Bank and Gaza, paints a grim picture of a system struggling to cope with immense pressure and dwindling resources.
Hospitals Overwhelmed and Beyond Capacity
Fewer than half of Gaza’s hospitals are even partially functioning, and only 38% of primary healthcare centres are operating at minimal levels. The facilities that are open are facing unsustainable strain. Bed occupancy rates in major hospitals are drastically exceeding capacity:
Shifa Hospital: 250% capacity
Nasser Hospital: 180% capacity
Al-Rantisi Hospital: 210% capacity
Al-Ahli Hospital: Over 300% capacity
This extreme overcrowding is compounded by a surge in injuries, particularly those sustained during desperate attempts to access food distribution areas.These incidents are driving persistent shortages of essential blood and plasma supplies. since May 27th, at least 1,655 people have been killed and over 11,800 injured in these areas.
Critical Supply Shortages Threaten Lives
The shortage of essential medical supplies has reached a critical level.Currently, 52% of medicines and 68% of consumable medical items are completely out of stock. This scarcity severely limits the ability of healthcare workers to treat patients effectively, even for common injuries and illnesses. The lack of supplies extends to vital treatments for emerging health threats.
Malnutrition Crisis Deepens, Especially Among Children
Hunger and malnutrition are rapidly worsening across gaza. Tragically, 148 people have died from malnutrition since the start of 2024, including 49 children – 39 of whom were under the age of five. July saw nearly 12,000 children under five diagnosed with acute malnutrition, the highest monthly figure recorded to date, with over 2,500 suffering from the most severe form of the condition. This escalating crisis demands immediate and ample intervention.
Disease Outbreaks Add to the Mounting Pressure
The deteriorating conditions are creating a breeding ground for infectious diseases. Suspected cases of meningitis reached 452 between July and early August – the highest number since the escalation of the conflict. A surge in Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare and serious post-infection disorder, has also been observed, with 76 suspected cases reported since June.
Treatment for these conditions is severely hampered by the “zero stock” levels of crucial medications, including intravenous immuneoglobulin and anti-inflammatories.
access Remains a Major Obstacle to Aid Delivery
Despite the urgent need, access for international medical teams and supplies remains a meaningful challenge.International medical personnel continue to face entry denials, and essential equipment – including ICU machines, anesthesia devices, and cold chain supplies – are being held back.
While the WHO has managed to deliver 80 trucks of medical supplies since June, the process is slow, unpredictable, and often results in delays or outright denials.Dr. Peeperkorn emphasized the critical need for increased access, stating, “We need multiple crossings into Gaza opened, procedures simplified, and access impediments lifted.” He further noted that while increased humanitarian aid is often announced, the actual delivery is lagging far behind what is required.