By Solomon A.
As the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza persists, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (@UNOCHA) highlights the disproportionately severe impact on women and children. The recently released report on Sunday, November 12, 2023, reveals alarming statistics, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and support.
Approximately 50,000 women in Gaza currently find themselves in a vulnerable state of pregnancy, with over 180 women giving birth each day.
Approximately 50,000 women in Gaza currently find themselves in a vulnerable state of pregnancy, with over 180 women giving birth each day.
The imminent delivery of thousands more in the coming weeks intensifies the strain on the region’s already beleaguered healthcare system.
The well-being of these mothers and their newborns is in peril due to a lack of access to essential resources such as food, water, medicines, fuel, and obstetric care. The ongoing hostilities in Gaza only exacerbate the urgency of addressing these critical needs.
Key Findings from the UNOCHA Report:
Pregnancy Statistics: Around 50,000 pregnant women are trapped in Gaza.
Daily Birth Rate: Over 180 women are giving birth each day.
Upcoming Deliveries: Thousands more are expected to deliver in the coming weeks.
Critical Dependencies for Maternal Health:
Access to Food: Ensuring a stable and nutritious diet for pregnant women
Clean Water: Hydration and sanitation are crucial for maternal and infant health.
Medicines: Adequate medical supplies are essential for safe pregnancies.
Fuel: is needed for maintaining medical facilities and transportation.
Obstetric Care: Essential for the well-being of both mothers and newborns.
The UNOCHA report’s timely release is a clarion call for international attention and support to address the escalating maternal health crisis in Gaza. Urgent action is imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women and newborns in the region, considering the exacerbated vulnerability caused by ongoing hostilities.
As the global community confronts this humanitarian challenge, it is crucial to mobilize resources, medical assistance, and support to safeguard the lives of those affected in Gaza.
Help share and tweet to help pregnant women and infants in Gaza get the needed help
For more information and to access the full UNOCHA report, please visit their official Twitter page, @UNOCHA.
