War on women's health in Gaza
UN Women warns of the invisible toll of the war on more than 177,000 women facing life-threatening health risks in Gaza
Date:
Cairo, 19 September 2024 – After more than 11 months of war, the health care system in Gaza has almost collapsed. Nearly 84 per cent of health facility buildings have been destroyed or damaged, and those remaining in service lack medicines, ambulances, basic life-saving treatment, electricity, and water.
The challenges faced in the health sector are taking a devastating toll on women’s physical and mental health in the Gaza Strip. Women have limited to no access to necessary treatments, leading to immediate and long-term health impacts. It is estimated that more than 177,000 women face life-threatening health risks, including 162,000, who have or are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular or hypertensive diseases; and 15,000 pregnant women who are at the brink of famine.
Pregnant and lactating women are facing severe complications and experiencing infections, anemia, and hypertension. Some 68 per cent of pregnant women surveyed have suffered from urinary tract infections, anemia, hypertensive disorders, vaginal bleeding, or hemorrhage. The lack of sexual and reproductive health services is another area of concern.
Despite this serious decline in their overall health, women are also the main caregivers for their families, eating last and least under severe hunger and starvation conditions. The new risk of polio is adding new challenges to a health system already operating with the bare minimum.
“Too many women in Gaza are at risk of dying from medical complications after months without any medication, limited access to doctors and no treatment for serious illnesses like diabetes or cancer. It is imperative that we act swiftly to save their lives. An immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the provision of safe, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and access to medicines and health services throughout Gaza are essential to prevent further deterioration,” said UN Women’s Regional Director for Arab States a.i, Moez Doraid.
UN Women’s latest Gender Alert released today is the fifth issued on Gaza since 7 October and is titled “War on Women’s Health: A Deep Dive into the Gendered Impact of the War in Gaza on the Health Sector.” It provides a comprehensive gender analysis of the health sector in Gaza, uncovering heightened health risks for women, particularly concerning NCDs among the elderly, cancer, infectious diseases, and the health and nutrition of pregnant and lactating mothers, amid the suspension of medical services and without access to medication.
UN Women echoes the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, the release of all hostages, and emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive provision and coordination of health services, the protection of healthcare workers, and support for women-led organizations.
For more information on the report:
https://arabstates.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/09/gender-alert-gaza-a-war-on-womens-health
Media contacts:
Nora Isayan
Regional Communication Specialist
UN Women Regional Office for Arab States
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Quote Sheet:
“I tried to visit my specialist doctor, but I did not find him. The medical centre where the specialist doctors practice was closed, leaving me unable to continue with my follow-up care. I wanted to undergo follow-up tests and X-rays for reassurance, but this is not possible. Previously, I used to receive dedicated care at an oncology hospital, but it is now destroyed, leaving no services for cancer patients.” — Female cancer patient, 50 years old, Rafah
“I have not prioritized my health because I am the primary caregiver for my children, assuming the roles of both father and mother. I didn’t undergo any medical examinations. Today, I am nine months pregnant, and I have not done any screenings or medical tests to make sure that the baby is healthy and okay.” — Pregnant mother of three children, 27 years old, Khan Younis
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