Gaza Genocide World

Pregnancy ‘clouded by fear’ in Gaza: WHO

Published: 07 Apr 2025
Pregnancy ‘clouded by fear’ in Gaza: WHO

Pregnancy ‘clouded by fear’ in Gaza: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked World Health Day with a statement on the struggle of 55,000 pregnant women in Gaza, where “pregnancy is clouded by fear” due to ongoing violence of Israeli occupation, displacement and lack of medical access.

One third of pregnant women in Gaza are facing high-risk pregnancies, the WHO said.

WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said that 90 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip suffer from severe malnutrition, and that the lack of medical equipment prevents them from receiving the necessary treatment.

She noted that the health of mothers and children in Gaza has witnessed a sharp deterioration since the start of the Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.

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About 20 percent of newborns are born premature, underweight or with complications and need advanced care that is hard to find.

“Partners report that essential equipment and medicines, such as portable incubators, ventilators for neonatal intensive care, ultrasound machines and oxygen pumps, along with 180,000 doses of routine childhood vaccines – enough to fully protect 60,000 children under the age of two – have not been permitted to enter, leaving ill newborns and young children without the life-saving care they urgently need,” the organisation said.

Margaret Harris said, “Many of them are in dire need of treatment. No food or medical aid is currently reaching Gaza. Mothers and children are already suffering, and the situation is worsening by the day.”

She also spoke about the period of temporary ceasefire before Israel resumed its genocide, saying, “During the nearly two-month lull, some hospitals were able to resume services, and we were able to send medical teams. We received good international support.”

She went on to say, “However, after the truce ended, many health centres were destroyed, including Nasser Hospital.”

“There are approximately 20 hospitals still partially operating in Gaza, but they are unable to function without medical supplies,” she added.

She added, “We are currently unable to deliver these supplies. Medical staff are exhausted and lack the equipment even to transfuse blood, and patients have horrific injuries and severe bleeding. Yet, when you speak to them, they say they are still there to serve the people.”

Harris also expressed her gratitude to all health workers working under extremely difficult conditions, adding, “We thank every health worker who gives their all every day to save lives and improve health and well-being, despite all the challenges.”

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