The United Nations Population Fund issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the long-term effects of malnutrition on pregnant women and infants in Gaza, suggesting that these issues could last for generations and may lead to lifelong care needs for children born in the region today.
Following a five-day mission to Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, where he spent five hours in the Palestinian territory, Andrew Saberton, a representative of the fund, held a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York. He described the devastation he observed as reminiscent of a Hollywood film.
Saberton reminded attendees that one in four residents in Gaza is facing hunger, including approximately 11,500 pregnant women. Consequently, 70% of newborns are being born prematurely and with low birth weights, a significant increase from the 20% recorded before the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023.
He clarified that all neonatal facilities in Gaza’s hospitals are operating well beyond their capacity, at 170%, which has led to multiple infants being placed in a single incubator. One-third of pregnancies in the area are now classified as “high-risk,” and the maternal mortality rate remains elevated.
The senior official emphasized that malnutrition is the foremost issue, compounded by shortages of medication and the destruction of medical infrastructure, with 94% of hospitals damaged or destroyed and 15% of facilities providing emergency obstetric care affected.
Saberton pointed out that a lack of contraceptives has compelled some women to resort to unsafe abortions. Additionally, he noted a surge in all forms of gender-based violence, including early marriage, similar to trends seen in other conflict situations.