Gaza Sees Alarming Rise in Congenital and War-Related Disabilities Amid Ongoing Conflict
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, head of the Children and Maternity Department at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, has warned of the catastrophic consequences of ongoing war and malnutrition in Gaza. He reported a significant rise in congenital abnormalities and premature births, with many infants weighing less than 2 kilograms at birth due to maternal malnutrition, particularly in early pregnancy stages.
Al-Farra attributed these issues to the lack of healthy food and essential supplements like iron, which disrupt fetal development and negatively impact the nervous system. He also cited contaminated water and smoke from burning wood as key factors contributing to fetal abnormalities.
The doctor highlighted rare cases of congenital tumors, heart and digestive disorders, underdeveloped brains, and other severe conditions, noting that some infants die within days of birth while others require immediate surgery or intravenous feeding. Infant mortality rates in Gaza have surged from 9 per 1,000 to approximately 3.5% over two years of war.
Al-Farra also reported the suspension of pregnancy monitoring programs, lack of early examinations, and severe shortages of diagnostic equipment, leaving Gaza’s healthcare system unable to address this growing crisis. He called for urgent medical supplies, drugs, and the reinstatement of maternal and child health programs, warning that thousands of lives are at risk if current conditions persist.
In a related development, Gaza’s Health Ministry marked World Disability Day by highlighting the shocking conditions faced by amputees, with 6,000 recorded cases needing immediate and long-term rehabilitation. Children account for 25% of these cases, facing permanent disabilities at young ages. The ministry urged international organizations to provide specialized medical care, rehabilitation equipment, and comprehensive support programs.
