UN: 15,000 pregnant women in Gaza face starvation

Some 15,000 pregnant women are “at the brink of famine” in Gaza, UN Women warned in a new report on the health situation in Gaza.

Titled “War on Women’s Health in Gaza”, the new report presents a comprehensive analysis of the healthcare crisis in Gaza and its impact on the physical and mental well-being of women and girls.

It highlights the growing health risks faced by women in Gaza, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases among the elderly, cancer, infectious diseases and the health and nutrition of pregnant and breastfeeding women, all exacerbated by the disruption of medical services and lack of access to essential medicines.

The report revealed that after more than 11 months of conflict, the healthcare system has almost entirely collapsed. “Nearly 84 per cent of health facility buildings have been destroyed or damaged, and those remaining in service lack medicines, ambulances, basic life-saving treatment, electricity, and water,” the report detailed.

Highlighting the situation which is particularly critical for women, the report said: “It is estimated that more than 177,000 women face life-threatening health risks, including 162,000, who have or are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular or hypertensive diseases; and 15,000 pregnant women who are at the brink of famine.”

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