UN and WHO Warn of Surge in Acute Malnutrition Among Children in Gaza

Casal dels Infants – The UN and WHO have issued urgent warnings about a sharp rise in acute malnutrition among young children in Gaza. A collapsing health system, as described by WHO, continues to worsen the crisis.

Thousands of Children Suffering from Acute Malnutrition

Recent data reveals that over 2,700 children under the age of five in Gaza have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition, based on health screenings conducted in the second half of May. This figure represents 5.8% of nearly 47,000 children examined, indicating a life-threatening condition that has nearly tripled since findings in February.

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Health workers have identified more than 16,500 young children suffering from severe acute malnutrition since January 2025, including 141 with medical complications requiring hospitalization.

Limited Access to Medical Care

Alarmingly, the response capacity remains extremely limited. Currently, only four stabilization centers are operating across Gaza to treat children with severe acute malnutrition and related medical complications. Authorities have shut down some facilities, such as those in North Gaza and Rafah, leaving thousands of children without access to life-saving treatment.

Hospitals on the Brink of Collapse

WHO has voiced serious concern about the condition of Gaza’s two remaining major hospitals. It specifically highlighted the operational risks faced by Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital. Both are reportedly at risk of becoming non-functional due to repeated attacks and a lack of protection. WHO is calling for “urgent protection” to ensure these hospitals remain accessible, functional, and safe.

“The systematic destruction of hospitals in Gaza must stop immediately,” WHO stated firmly in its release.

Allegations of Targeted Attacks on Health Facilities

UN experts, humanitarian organizations, and Gaza’s health authorities have accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting healthcare workers and medical facilities. These actions are described as part of a systematic effort to make life in Gaza uninhabitable for Palestinians.

This escalating crisis demands immediate international attention to protect Gaza’s children. It is also crucial for upholding fundamental human rights for all civilians.

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