HQ Team
September 13, 2024: More than 22,500 people, a quarter of those wounded in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began in October ’23, have suffered life-changing injuries requiring rehabilitation for years, according to a report prepared by the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
The severity of the injuries include amputations, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries and major burns, according to the report.
Healthcare collapse
Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, said that Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has collapsed totally and the surging rehabilitation needs cannot be met.
“Patients can’t get the care they need. Acute rehabilitation services are severely disrupted and specialized care for complex injuries is not available, placing patients’ lives at risk. Immediate and long-term support is urgently needed to address the enormous rehabilitation needs.”
Severe limb injuries, estimated to be between 13 455 to 17 550, are the main driver of the need for rehabilitation, finds the report. Many of those injured have more than one injury. Between 3105 and 4050 limb amputations have also occurred.
These patients need physical therapy and psychological support along with medical care, which is non-existent at the moment. Doctors say that thousands are at risk of further complications, disabilities or even death. This is in addition to the people already suffering from some chronic conditions and disabilities and needing rehabilitation.
Only 17 of 36 Gaza hospitals are partially functional and Gaza’s only limb reconstruction and rehabilitation centre, has been non-functional since December, according to the UN health agency.
Economic devastation
Along with the physical devastation, the economy is in ruins. According to a report by the UN Trade and Development, UNCTAD, the Strip’s gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen by 81 per cent, pushing the region into an unprecedented economic crisis.
There is no access to livelihood and poverty is rampant.
“The Palestinian government’s fiscal stability is under immense pressure, jeopardizing its ability to function effectively and provide essential services,” the report noted.
