NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 79,000 Palestinians have been injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. In Gaza, where thousands of dead bodies are under rubble, Israeli forces target shelters, hospitals and civilian infrastructure.

Epidemics, especially Hepatitis A and C, are spreading among displaced people taking refuge in shelter centers due to the rising temperature, the lack of clean water and sanitary conditions. Only 11 of Gaza’s hospitals are partially functional and due to the lack of health care services, the spread of epidemics is at alarming level. In an interview with NuJINHA, health care worker Fatima Abu Shaban pointed to the spread of hepatitis in the Gaza Strip.”

‘Measures must be taken to prevent the spread of diseases’

Displaced people living in shelter centers are vulnerable to diseases, Fatima Abu Shaban said. “Immediate measures must be taken to prevent the spread of diseases and protect the people. In addition to hepatitis, the displaced people suffer from bowel infections, respiratory tract infections and chest pains. Such diseases are common especially among children. The lack of clean water and sanitary conditions causes the spread of diseases.”

‘Most patients suffering from Hepatitis A are women and children’

Emphasizing that early diagnosis is important to prevent the spread of diseases, she said:

“If Hepatitis A is detected early, it can be treated quickly and easily. If it is detected late, its treatment becomes more complex. Sometimes it can be fatal. Most patients suffering from Hepatitis A are women and children. We have held awareness-raising activities in shelter centers and camps about hepatitis to give information about the ways of transmission of the virus and what they should do when they observe the symptoms. We do our best to give information about personal hygiene and healthy nutrition.”

A new health center

Fatima Abu Shaban told us that a special health center would be opened to monitor the health conditions of displaced women and children living in the crowded shelter centers and camps in the southern part of Gaza.