- Thousands of children in Gaza are suffering from severe skin diseases due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.
- The crisis has intensified in recent years, with a sharp rise in cases across southern Gaza.
- Malnutrition and limited access to clean water and medical care have left children vulnerable to illness.
- Medical facilities in Gaza are operating beyond capacity, with staff working without pay and essential supplies running low.
- Over 60% of health facilities in Gaza are non-functional, exacerbating the healthcare crisis.
Thousands of children in Gaza are suffering from severe skin diseases, including burn-like rashes and infections, as overcrowded displacement camps and deteriorating sanitation create a breeding ground for illness. The crisis has intensified since late 2023, with humanitarian groups reporting a sharp rise in cases across southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah and Khan Younis. Malnutrition and limited access to clean water and medical care have left children especially vulnerable, with clinics overwhelmed and essential supplies nearly exhausted.
Healthcare System at Breaking Point
Medical facilities in Gaza are operating far beyond capacity, with many staff working without pay and relying on dwindling stocks of antibiotics and antifungals. Doctors report that common conditions like scabies, fungal infections, and bacterial dermatitis are progressing to severe stages due to delayed treatment. According to the World Health Organization, over 60% of health facilities in Gaza are non-functional, and those still operating face chronic shortages of water, power, and personnel. Children with compromised immune systems from hunger are at higher risk of secondary infections, raising fears of widespread outbreaks.
Root Causes in Conflict and Displacement
The skin disease surge is rooted in the ongoing conflict and mass displacement that has forced over 1.7 million people into cramped, unsanitary shelters. Tents and makeshift structures lack ventilation and are often shared by extended families, accelerating disease transmission. Poor hygiene, contaminated water, and exposure to waste and debris further compound the risks. A report by Reuters highlighted that many children bathe in seawater or reuse unwashed clothing, increasing skin irritation. Malnutrition weakens their ability to recover, turning minor rashes into chronic, painful conditions.
What to Watch
Humanitarian agencies are urging immediate delivery of medical supplies, clean water, and nutritional support to prevent further deterioration. The BBC has reported that temporary clinics are being set up near displacement zones, but access remains inconsistent due to active hostilities. Without sustained aid and a ceasefire, health officials warn the crisis could escalate into broader epidemics, including waterborne diseases like cholera. The international community faces mounting pressure to address both the immediate health emergency and the underlying conditions driving it.
Source: Al Jazeera