Rare Skin Diseases Emerge in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
In the southern Gaza Strip, a concerning outbreak of rare skin diseases is affecting hundreds of children, exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Among the most severe cases is that of 10-year-old Mohammed Daoud, who suffers from a contagious bacterial blistering skin infection that has spread across his body. His father, Suleiman, recounts their displacement from northern Gaza in mid-October 2023, leading to dire living conditions in makeshift tents without proper sanitation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the rapid spread of infectious diseases in Gaza, attributing this to the collapse of health facilities and sanitation networks. The lack of clean water and hygiene products has left many families vulnerable to infections. Reports indicate that by June 30, over 100,000 cases of scabies and lice were documented, alongside thousands of other skin-related ailments.
Impact of Displacement and Poor Sanitation
The conditions in which displaced families live are contributing to the alarming rise in skin diseases. Many families, like that of 12-year-old Rozan Al-Hissi, are living in overcrowded tents where sewage flows freely due to inadequate infrastructure. Rozan has been suffering from an undiagnosed skin condition for over four months, highlighting the challenges faced by families in accessing medical care and necessary treatments.
UNICEF has reported that children in Gaza are enduring harsh conditions, with a lack of personal hygiene products and the continuous threat of infectious diseases. The ongoing conflict has disrupted supply chains, making it difficult for families to obtain essential cleaning materials, further exacerbating the public health crisis.
The Role of Rodents and Insects in Disease Spread
The situation is compounded by the proliferation of rodents and insects in the area. Families living in destroyed neighborhoods report infestations that contribute to the spread of skin diseases. Mohammed Hamdan, a resident of Khan Yunis, describes how rats have invaded their living space, contaminating food and increasing the risk of disease transmission. Veterinary consultant Dr. Saud Al-Shawa warns that these rodents are vectors for various infectious diseases, including Salmonella and Hantavirus, which pose additional health risks to the already vulnerable population.
As the humanitarian crisis continues, the WHO and other organizations are calling for urgent access to medical supplies, clean water, and sanitation services to mitigate the spread of diseases and improve the living conditions of displaced families in Gaza.
