In a recent emergency meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General, expressed deep concern over the collapsing healthcare system in Gaza, emphasizing the catastrophic impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza on public health.
Dr. Tedros painted a grim picture, stating that Gaza’s health system is on the verge of collapse, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals partially functional. The overcrowded conditions in these medical facilities are creating ideal circumstances for the spread of diseases, including jaundice and bloody diarrhea.
He highlighted the dire situation in southern Gaza, where two major hospitals are operating at three times their bed capacity, illustrating the immense strain on the healthcare infrastructure. The WHO Chief stressed the urgent need for humanitarian measures to address the critical public health implications of the conflict.
During the meeting, Dr. Tedros outlined the challenges faced by the WHO in carrying out its tasks, including reporting on the health crisis. He expressed regret over the failure to pass a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, citing the necessity of such a measure to protect and promote the health of the people in Gaza.
The WHO Director-General also mentioned the invocation of Article 99 of the United Nations Charter by the Secretary-General, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. Despite the difficulties in negotiating the Security Council resolution, Dr. Tedros reiterated his belief that a ceasefire is the only viable solution to safeguard the health and well-being of the population in Gaza.
As the conflict persists, the international community faces mounting challenges in addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis and providing essential healthcare services to the people of Gaza.
