How has the war exacerbated malnutrition among children under five in Gaza?

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The War's Devastating Impact on Child Malnutrition in Gaza

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely exacerbated malnutrition among children under five, leading to critical health crises and a significant increase in severe wasting and disease. Six-year-old Fadi al-Zant, suffering from cystic fibrosis, exemplifies this crisis, now acutely malnourished with his ribs protruding and eyes sunken, unable to walk. Before the war, Fadi weighed 30kg (66 lb); he now weighs only 12kg (26 lb) and lacks access to essential medication like Creon, which aids digestion. The Kamal Adwan hospital has treated many of the 27 children the health ministry reports have died from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks.
Widespread Acute Malnutrition Among Young Children

Nearly one in three children under two years old in northern Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, a rate that has doubled since January, according to Unicef. This alarming statistic highlights the widespread nature of the crisis. In shelters and health centres surveyed by Unicef and its partners, 4.5% of children presented with severe wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, indicating a severe and immediate danger to their health and survival.
Increased Incidence of Disease Aggravates Malnutrition

The prevalence of infectious diseases, particularly diarrhea, is significantly worsening the malnutrition crisis. The World Health Organization reports that 90% of children under five in Gaza have experienced one or more infectious diseases, with 70% having suffered from diarrhea in the two weeks prior to the report. This represents a 23-fold increase compared to pre-war figures. Diarrhea leads to dehydration and reduces immunity, accelerating malnutrition and making recovery more difficult, especially when coupled with food scarcity.
Looming Famine and Extreme Food Insecurity

Without immediate intervention, famine is predicted to strike northern Gaza between now and May, affecting over two-thirds of the population with extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and mortality. The situation is projected to worsen significantly if Israel proceeds with an offensive in Rafah, where 1.1 million people are expected to face an extreme lack of food. This scenario suggests a catastrophic future for the child population, who are most vulnerable to the compounding effects of hunger and disease.

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How has the war exacerbated malnutrition among children under five in Gaza?

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