Gaza Health: Alarming Rise in Recorded Cases of Meningitis

SadaNews - The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated on Tuesday evening that there is an alarming increase in the recorded cases of meningitis in the Gaza Strip amidst unprecedented health, humanitarian, and environmental deterioration.

The ministry indicated in a press statement that it has recorded a noticeable rise in the number of suspected and confirmed cases of meningitis, especially among children under five years old, who are the most vulnerable to the disease and its serious complications.

It pointed out that the level of healthcare has declined due to the exit of hospitals and primary care centers, their destruction, and the significant deterioration in medicine supplies, along with a shortage of children's vaccinations, which limits emergency response efforts.

It stated: There are serious factors that have caused the overall health condition in the Gaza Strip to become a fertile ground for the spread and outbreak of diseases, especially among the most vulnerable age groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

It added: The catastrophic conditions in shelters, the acute shortage of drinking water, the spread of wastewater, and the accumulation of waste are pushing health conditions towards further deterioration.

The Ministry of Health called urgently on all concerned parties to intervene immediately and improve health and living conditions to limit the spread of the disease and enhance the supply lists of necessary medications for confirmed cases and essential vaccinations.