WHO outlines emergency medical efforts amid Gaza's healthcare crisis

The recent United Nations press conference highlighted a dire health crisis unfolding in Gaza, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on the urgent need for medical support and infrastructure restoration in the region. The discussions underscored the severe impact of ongoing conflict, with many hospitals rendered non-functional and a significant number of patients in desperate need of medical evacuation.

Key points from the meeting revealed that healthcare facilities in Gaza, particularly in Jabaliya and Rafa, have suffered extensive damage. The WHO is working to establish trauma stabilization points and primary healthcare services to address the immediate needs of those returning to their homes amidst widespread destruction. Many families are living in makeshift shelters, lacking basic necessities such as clean water and adequate sanitation.

The WHO is also expanding operations at Shefa Hospital, which has managed to resume some services despite the devastation. Surgical teams have been deployed to various hospitals, and efforts are underway to renovate and expand inpatient departments and intensive care units. However, the situation remains critical, with disease surveillance and public health intelligence needing urgent enhancement.

A significant concern raised during the conference was the medical evacuation process. Currently, only a fraction of the estimated 12,000 to 14,000 patients needing evacuation are being transported out of Gaza. The WHO reported that only 36 to 50 patients are being evacuated daily, far below the necessary capacity. This backlog includes many children and individuals suffering from chronic diseases, highlighting the urgent need for expedited medical corridors to facilitate their treatment.

The WHO emphasized the importance of restoring traditional referral pathways to hospitals in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are prepared to receive patients. The ongoing conflict has also affected healthcare operations in these areas, complicating efforts to provide necessary medical supplies and training for mass casualty management.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the WHO and its partners are committed to addressing the healthcare needs of the population, but they face significant challenges in restoring functionality to the healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the care they urgently require. The international community's support and cooperation will be crucial in navigating this humanitarian crisis and rebuilding the health infrastructure in Gaza.