Citing various sources, she said that because of closures and curfews, Palestinian health facilities operate at about 30 per cent of capacity. “Restrictions of access continue to prevent Palestinians requiring medical treatment from accessing health care services,” she noted. “The Ministry of Health reported that the percentage of home deliveries has increased from 5 per cent to 50 per cent, again as a result of closures limiting access to services.”
According to two different surveys, almost half of young children and women of child-bearing age are anaemic. Those studies “also reveal the existence of childhood malnutrition” and show “an overall deterioration in the nutritional status of the entire child population when compared with the results of surveys undertaken… before the current crisis.” A market survey revealed shortages of high-protein foods, such as fish, chicken and dairy products, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In addition to the conflict’s death toll – reportedly over 2,500 Palestinians and over 620 Israelis have died over the past year – Dr. Brundtland noted that the excessive number of injured and disabled is placing an additional burden on the health system.
“The long-term impact of the lack of access to health care, exacerbated by poverty and economic and social insecurity, on the health of the Palestinians must be studied, monitored and addressed in order to alleviate the negative effects on health,” she said. “Long-term care for those who have been disabled, as a result of this conflict alone, will require extensive financial and structural commitment.”
United Nations News Centre
For Dr. Brundtland's complete Statement, please see:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/statements/statement04/en
According to two different surveys, almost half of young children and women of child-bearing age are anaemic. Those studies “also reveal the existence of childhood malnutrition” and show “an overall deterioration in the nutritional status of the entire child population when compared with the results of surveys undertaken… before the current crisis.” A market survey revealed shortages of high-protein foods, such as fish, chicken and dairy products, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In addition to the conflict’s death toll – reportedly over 2,500 Palestinians and over 620 Israelis have died over the past year – Dr. Brundtland noted that the excessive number of injured and disabled is placing an additional burden on the health system.
“The long-term impact of the lack of access to health care, exacerbated by poverty and economic and social insecurity, on the health of the Palestinians must be studied, monitored and addressed in order to alleviate the negative effects on health,” she said. “Long-term care for those who have been disabled, as a result of this conflict alone, will require extensive financial and structural commitment.”
United Nations News Centre
For Dr. Brundtland's complete Statement, please see:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/statements/statement04/en