UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Child Malnutrition in Gaza Strip
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has announced that the rate of malnutrition among children in the Gaza Strip is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent data shows that in August, an unprecedented percentage of children examined were suffering from acute malnutrition.
In a press release published on Friday, the organization specified that the malnutrition rate in the entire Gaza Strip rose to 13.5% in August, compared to 8.3% in July. In Gaza City, where famine has been confirmed, the number of children treated for malnutrition was even higher, reaching 19%, whereas this figure was 16% in July.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, emphasized that among the children examined in August in Gaza City, one in five was diagnosed with acute malnutrition and required vital additional nutritional support provided by UNICEF. She indicated that the organization was able to deliver more supplies to the Gaza Strip, but the military escalation in the city forced nearly 10 nutrition centers to close, making children even more vulnerable.
Ms. Russell stressed the need to protect nutrition services in Gaza City and throughout the Strip, stating that "no child should suffer from malnutrition that we can prevent and treat when we are able to access and deliver aid safely."
