Harris made assessments to AA correspondent regarding the health situation in Gaza, which has been under intense Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023, and the recently increasing risk of a polio outbreak. Harris stated that after the analysis of 7 water samples conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at the end of June, they tested positive for polio and WHO decided to send 1 million doses of polio vaccine to Gaza.
Harris:“This disease has not been seen in Gaza for more than 20 years. Measures against polio must be implemented urgently.”
Harris said that there are no polio cases in Gaza yet in WHO records, and that it is difficult to analyze and track samples due to the conflict. He also noted that the conflict in Gaza prevents hospitals from working effectively and makes access to health services difficult.
Healthcare Situation in Gaza
- Of the 36 hospitals in Gaza, 16 are partially operational.
- Most hospitals cannot perform difficult surgeries.
- Hospitals in Rafah and Khan Younis in particular are out of service due to the conflict.
Harris stated that the number of people who lost their lives due to hunger and thirst in Gaza was 34, and that among the health problems experienced in the region, serious diseases such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhea cases, scabies, chickenpox and acute jaundice were on the rise He also stated that since all the testing laboratories in Gaza were destroyed during the conflict, there were difficulties in detecting the diseases.
WHO’s Aid Activities
Harris touched on the difficulties of WHO’s efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, stating that the limited number of aid trucks and risky road conditions were negatively affecting aid activities.
| Aid Activities | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aid Trucks | Kerem can reach Gaza via the Abu Salim Border Gate, but it is stated that permission to cross the border is limited. |
| Aid Trucks | Information was given about the aid supplies delivered to Gaza last weekend and the medical supplies waiting at the El-Arish Port. |
Harris noted that the number of attacks on health centers in Gaza has increased, adding that the conflict has also affected health workers and made it difficult to access emergency health services.
