Gaza’s Health System in Crisis: A Daunting road to Recovery After 15 Months of War
After more than 15 months of war,Gaza’s health system lies in ruins,with only half of its 36 hospitals partially operational and a mere 38% of primary health centers functioning.The World Health Institution (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the monumental challenges ahead in restoring the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, emphasized the enormity of the task in a recent statement on X.“Meeting the enormous health needs and restoring the health system in Gaza will be a complex and challenging task, given the scale of destruction, operational complexity and constraints involved,” he wrote.
The destruction has left Gaza’s healthcare system in a state of near-collapse. Field hospitals, which are critical for providing immediate care, must be transported to the region in the coming weeks to address the urgent needs of the population.
Amid the devastation, the WHO has called for all parties to honour their commitments under the ceasefire agreement. “the WHO calls on all parties to respect their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and to continue working towards lasting peace,” Tedros added.
Key Challenges in Restoring Gaza’s Health system
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Current Status | Challenges |
|—————————–|—————————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| Hospitals | 50% partially operational | Extensive destruction, lack of resources, and operational constraints |
| Primary Health Centers | 38% operational | Limited functionality, insufficient staffing, and damaged infrastructure |
| Field Hospitals | To be transported in coming weeks | Logistical hurdles and urgent need for deployment |
| Ceasefire Implementation | Ongoing efforts | Ensuring all parties adhere to the agreement for sustained peace and recovery |
The road to recovery is fraught with obstacles. The scale of destruction, coupled with the operational complexities of rebuilding healthcare facilities, presents a daunting challenge. The WHO’s call for sustained peace underscores the critical need for stability to facilitate long-term recovery efforts.
As Gaza grapples with the aftermath of prolonged conflict, the international community’s support will be vital in addressing the region’s healthcare crisis.The restoration of Gaza’s health system is not just a matter of rebuilding infrastructure but also of ensuring the well-being of a population that has endured immense suffering.
The WHO’s efforts, alongside global partners, aim to provide immediate relief and lay the groundwork for a resilient healthcare system. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on the continued commitment to peace and the unwavering support of the international community.
Gaza’s Health System in Crisis: WHO Estimates $10 Billion Needed for Recovery
The health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over $10 billion is needed to restore it after months of relentless bombardment by the Israeli army. This devastation follows the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Islamist movement Hamas, which triggered a severe escalation in the region.
According to the WHO, only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially operational, and a mere 38% of primary health centers are functioning. The situation is dire, with medical facilities struggling to provide even basic care amidst ongoing conflict and destruction.
A 60-Day Plan to Address Critical Needs
In response to the crisis, the WHO and its partners are preparing to implement a 60-day plan aimed at addressing the most urgent health needs. This plan will focus on:
- Trauma and emergency care
- Primary health care
- Child health
- Noncommunicable diseases
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
- rehabilitation
- mental health and psychosocial support
The initiative also includes the deployment of field hospitals in the coming weeks to provide immediate relief and support to the overwhelmed health infrastructure.
The Human Cost of the Crisis
The ongoing conflict has left thousands in need of urgent medical attention, with hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the influx of patients. The WHO’s efforts aim to not only address immediate health concerns but also lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.“Only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially operational, and only 38% of primary health centers are operational,” the WHO reported, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Key Challenges and Priorities
The table below summarizes the key challenges and priorities outlined by the WHO:
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Operational Hospitals | 18 out of 36 partially operational |
| Operational Health Centers | 38% of primary health centers functioning |
| Funding Needed | Over $10 billion |
| Focus Areas | Trauma care, primary health, child health, mental health, rehabilitation |
| Immediate Measures | Deployment of field hospitals |
A Call for Global Support
The WHO’s appeal for $10 billion underscores the urgent need for international assistance to rebuild Gaza’s health system.The organization’s 60-day plan is a critical step toward addressing the immediate and long-term health needs of the population.
As the conflict continues,the international community must act swiftly to support these efforts and ensure that the people of Gaza have access to the care they desperately need.
For more data on the WHO’s initiatives in Gaza, visit their official website hear.
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This article is based exclusively on information from the provided source.
Gaza’s Health System in Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Amira Al-Masri on the Path to Recovery
After more than 15 months of relentless conflict, Gaza’s health system is in a state of near-collapse. With onyl 18 out of 36 hospitals partially operational and a mere 38% of primary health centers functioning, the road to recovery is daunting. The World Health Association (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for over $10 billion to address the crisis and restore critical healthcare services. To shed light on the challenges and potential solutions, we sat down with Dr.Amira Al-Masri, a public health expert specializing in post-conflict healthcare reconstruction, to discuss the immediate needs and long-term strategies for rebuilding Gaza’s health system.
The Current State of Gaza’s Health System
World Today News: Dr. Al-Masri, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the current situation.The WHO reports that only half of Gaza’s hospitals and 38% of primary health centers are operational. Can you describe the scale of the destruction and its impact on the population?
Dr. Amira Al-Masri: Thank you for having me. The scale of destruction is catastrophic. Hospitals and health centers have been decimated, leaving thousands without access to essential care.The infrastructure is in ruins—think of damaged buildings, lack of electricity, and a severe shortage of medical supplies.The human cost is staggering: trauma victims, pregnant women, children, and chronic disease patients are left vulnerable. The mental health crisis is also deepening, with many suffering from severe psychological trauma.
Key Challenges in Rebuilding
World Today News: The WHO has outlined several challenges, including extensive destruction, lack of resources, and operational constraints. What are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed immediately?
Dr. Amira Al-Masri: The immediate challenges are multifaceted. First, we need to deploy field hospitals to provide urgent care for trauma patients and those with life-threatening conditions. Second, restoring basic infrastructure—like electricity, water, and sanitation—is critical to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases. Third, there’s a desperate need for medical supplies and equipment. addressing the severe shortage of healthcare workers, many of whom have been displaced or killed, is essential. Without these foundational elements, any long-term recovery plan will falter.
The Role of the International Community
World Today News: The WHO has called for over $10 billion in funding from the international community. how crucial is this support, and what role can global partners play in the recovery process?
Dr. Amira al-Masri: The $10 billion appeal is not just a number—it’s a lifeline. the international community must step up to provide financial, logistical, and technical support. Funding will help rebuild infrastructure, procure medical supplies, and train healthcare workers. Beyond funding, global partners can also provide expertise in trauma care, mental health support, and public health management. Collaborative efforts between governments,NGOs,and humanitarian organizations are vital to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Focus Areas for Recovery
World Today News: The WHO has identified several focus areas, including trauma care, primary health, child health, mental health, and rehabilitation. How should these priorities be addressed in the short and long term?
Dr. Amira Al-Masri: In the short term, trauma care is the most urgent. Field hospitals must be deployed to treat injuries and save lives. Primary health services, including maternal and child care, must also be restored to prevent further loss of life. Mental health support is equally critical—counseling services and psychosocial support programs should be established immediately. In the long term, we need to build a resilient healthcare system that can withstand future crises. This includes investing in infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and integrating mental health into primary care.
The Need for Lasting Peace
world Today News: The WHO has emphasized the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement for sustained peace and recovery. How does the continuation of conflict hinder these efforts?
Dr. Amira Al-Masri: Conflict is the root cause of this crisis.without sustained peace, any efforts to rebuild the health system will be in vain. Ongoing violence not only destroys infrastructure but also displaces healthcare workers and deters international aid. A ceasefire is not just a political issue—it’s a humanitarian necessity. Only in a stable environment can we effectively rebuild and ensure that the population has access to the care they need.
A Message to the Global Community
World Today news: As we conclude, what message would you like to convey to the international community about the situation in Gaza?
Dr. Amira Al-Masri: My message is simple: Gaza cannot wait. The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering, and their health system is on the brink of collapse. This is not just a regional issue—it’s a global humanitarian crisis. The international community has the power to make a difference. By providing the necessary funding, expertise, and diplomatic support, we can help rebuild Gaza’s health system and restore hope to its people. The time to act is now.
For more information on the WHO’s initiatives in Gaza, visit their official website here.
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This article is based exclusively on information from the provided source.
