Spread of neurological diseases and malnutrition among children in Gaza

Health officials in Gaza warned today of an unprecedented spread of neurological and infectious diseases — as well as malnutrition — among children. This comes as a result of the ongoing aggression and siege and the lack of medical resources. This threatens the lives of thousands of children, while exposing them to permanent disabilities. This unfolding Gaza health crisis has children paying the heaviest price.

Ahmed Al-Fara — director of the paediatric department at Khan Yunis Hospital — confirmed that Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disease, is experiencing an unprecedented global outbreak this year, with nearly 200 cases recorded compared to one case per year before the war broke out. He explained that the disease — known as ascending flaccid paralysis — begins with symptoms such as tingling and weakness in the lower limbs and loss of the ability to stand, before spreading to the respiratory system — leading to death if not treated urgently.

Gaza health crisis

Al-Fara pointed out that tests have confirmed that severe water contamination is the main cause of the outbreak — with cases concentrated in the Mawasi Khan Yunis area. He added that the disease is not hereditary or contagious, it often appears after gastroenteritis or vaccination. He stressed that the shortage of medicines and difficulty in accessing appropriate treatment have already killed many children who could have otherwise been saved. The children suffering from malnutrition were most at risk of death.

On another note, Munir Al-Barsh — Director General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza — revealed a catastrophic spread of anaemia among children under one year of age, with an infection rate of 82%. The ministry has also recorded 156 cases of deformities since the start of the war as a result of deprivation of specialised medical care, along with a 40% drop in births compared to the period before the aggression.

Al-Barsh warned that the Israeli occupation is practising what he described as ‘health engineering’ by preventing the entry of medicines and basic supplies for the childhood programme. He notes that this continued deprivation threatens to produce an entire generation suffering from disabilities, deformities and chronic health complications — making children more vulnerable to disease and early death.

This tragic reality reflects the ongoing impact of the war and siege on Gaza, where children are paying the highest price. Officials called on the international community and humanitarian organisations to intervene— for without immediate intervention, the Gaza health crisis will escalate into a generational catastrophe with irreversible consequences for children.

Featured image via Human Rights Watch