UNRWA Issues Warning of Hepatitis A Outbreak in Gaza
UNRWA issued a written statement on the latest situation in the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the Hepatitis A epidemic due to mass displacement, overcrowded shelters, and lack of clean water and hygiene supplies. According to UNRWA’s health program data, Hepatitis A is detected in 800 to 1,000 people per week, while 40,000 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the war.
UNRWA stressed that there is no specific treatment for the Hepatitis A virus and noted that the military operation launched by Israeli forces in Rafah made it difficult to bring basic supplies. It was noted that the spread of Hepatitis A continued, including in UNRWA shelters.
Dr. Ghada Al-Jadba, Head of UNRWA’s Health Program in the Gaza Strip, said that the Hepatitis A epidemic spread during the war and that displaced families were living in inhumane conditions in overcrowded camps and shelters. Dr. Al-Jadba stressed that the lack of clean water, hygiene kits and proper waste management was deepening the crisis, making it difficult for UNRWA to respond to the needs of patients.
