BTN News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about two major disease threats in Gaza: Hepatitis A and polio. WHO is very worried these diseases might spread, especially after finding poliovirus type 2, which came from a vaccine strain, in sewage samples.
Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, WHO’s chief medical officer for emergencies in Palestine, shared his concerns in a video call. He said, “I’m very worried, and it’s not just about polio. There could be other disease outbreaks too.” This warning follows the confirmation of Hepatitis A cases last year, and now the threat of polio. Dr. Saparbekov also said about 14,000 people in Gaza might need medical evacuation.
Dr. Ayadel Sabarbikov, who leads WHO’s Emergency Programs in Gaza, also showed deep concern about possible outbreaks of diseases in Gaza, including polio.
Health System Problems in Gaza Make Hepatitis A and Polio More Dangerous
Dr. Sabarbikov visited Gaza and reported on the health problems there. She said that out of seven environmental samples collected from Gaza’s sewage, six tested positive for poliovirus from a vaccine, along with Hepatitis A. She explained that the lack of laboratory equipment in Gaza has prevented human testing. To fix this, WHO and UNICEF plan to send sample collection kits to Gaza.
The destruction of Gaza’s health system makes these diseases more dangerous. Dr. Sabarbikov noted that less than half of the primary health care centers are open, and only 16 out of 36 hospitals are partially working, giving only basic health services.
On Monday, WHO and partners worked at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, fixing the outpatient department, which was destroyed in March, and turning it into an emergency department. But Dr. Saparbekov said the situation is still bad: “The only working equipment left at Al-Shifa Hospital is a stationary X-ray machine. All other important hospital equipment, like breathing machines and surgery tools, were destroyed in the war and need to be replaced.”
Polio is a Very Contagious Disease That Can Cause Serious Health Problems
Polio is a very contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. It attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis quickly. On July 16, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative found poliovirus type 2 in six environmental samples. The analysis, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, showed genetic links between these samples and the poliovirus type 2 strain that spread in Egypt in 2023.
WHO pointed out that they have not collected human samples because they lack the needed equipment and lab capacity. Dr. Saparbekov explained, “We have not collected human samples yet because we don’t have the equipment and lab capacity to analyze them.”
The Health Crisis in Gaza is a Big Problem That Needs Immediate Help
The health crisis in Gaza is a big problem, made worse by the ongoing conflict and the destruction of health facilities. Finding poliovirus in sewage samples is very worrying because it shows the virus can spread through dirty water and poor sanitation. Hepatitis A, already confirmed last year, makes the health situation worse, especially since medical resources are already limited.
Efforts by WHO, UNICEF, and other aid groups to provide medical supplies and fix health facilities are very important. But the challenge is huge and needs ongoing international support and coordination.
The Future Needs International Help to Fix Gaza’s Health System
The threat of more disease outbreaks in Gaza shows the urgent need for a strong international response. Immediate priorities are medical evacuation for those in critical condition, providing essential medical equipment, and restoring healthcare facilities.
The global community also needs to focus on long-term solutions to rebuild Gaza’s health system and improve living conditions. This includes investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, enhancing lab capacities, and ensuring vaccines and other essential medicines are consistently available.
Conclusion: Global Support is Needed to Prevent More Health Crises in Gaza
The health situation in Gaza is very bad, with Hepatitis A and polio posing serious threats. The destruction of health facilities and lack of medical equipment make the situation worse. WHO and its partners are working hard to meet immediate needs, but ongoing international support is critical for long-term solutions. The global community must act now to prevent further health crises and help the people of Gaza rebuild their healthcare system.
WHO’s warning highlights the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to stop these diseases and prevent more suffering in Gaza.
