One quarter of injuries in Gaza are 'life-changing': WHO
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The World Health Organization estimates that there have been between 13,455 and 17,550 cases of "severe limb injuries" in parallel with the ongoing destruction of Gaza's health system.
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Palestinian children wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are treated in a hospital in Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 (AP)
A quarter of those injured in the ongoing war on Gaza have sustained "life-changing injuries," indicated the head of the UN health agency on Friday.
"At least one in four of the injured in Gaza since October 2023 are estimated to have life-changing injuries that require rehabilitation services now and for years to come," highlighted Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), in a post on X.
Addressing the ongoing strikes, Tedros underscored that "it is critical to ensure access to all essential health services, including rehabilitation to prevent illness and death."
At least 1 in 4 of the injured in #Gaza since October 2023 are estimated to have life-changing injuries that require rehabilitation services now and for years to come: https://t.co/rpeOtZ6wxp
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 13, 2024
Amid the ongoing hostilities, it is critical to ensure access to all essential health… pic.twitter.com/w7b0qQ4AKd
He reiterated the WHO's call for a ceasefire, which is essential to rebuild the health system in the enclave and meet the escalating needs.
The WHO chief's remarks echoed a previous statement from the UN agency.
On Thursday, the WHO announced that at least 25% of those injured since the war began in October—equating to at least 22,500 people as of July 23—had endured "life-changing injuries," with many requiring amputations and extensive rehabilitation that will be needed for years.
By Thursday, that number had risen to approximately 24,000, according to Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative for the Palestinian territories.
The WHO stressed that "many thousands of women and children" are among those severely injured in Gaza, with numerous individuals suffering multiple injuries.
The organization estimated that there have been between 13,455 and 17,550 cases of "severe limb injuries," which it identified as the primary cause driving the demand for rehabilitation services.
Additionally, the report noted that between 3,105 and 4,050 limb amputations have taken place. Other significant injuries include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and major burn cases.
"The huge surge in rehabilitation needs occurs in parallel with the ongoing decimation of the health system," Peeperkorn warned.
As of September 12, only 17 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially operational, while primary healthcare services are frequently interrupted or rendered inaccessible due to ongoing Israeli attacks and repeated evacuation orders.
Gaza’s sole limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center, based at the Nasser Medical Complex and supported by WHO, ceased operations in December due to a lack of supplies and specialized medical personnel.
"Tragically, much of the rehabilitation workforce in Gaza is now displaced," WHO noted, adding that 39 physiotherapists had been killed in Gaza as of May 10.
Peeperkorn warned that "patients can't get the care they need."
"Acute rehabilitation services are severely disrupted and specialised care for complex injuries is not available, placing patients' lives at risk," he said.
"Immediate and long-term support is urgently needed to address the enormous rehabilitation needs."
Read more: UNCTAD report unveils devastating economic decline in Gaza, West Bank
