Over 3,000 Children Diagnosed with Acute Malnutrition since Gaza Ceasefire
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United Nations’ humanitarian agency (OCHA) reported that more than 3,000 children and 1,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition since January 19, as health workers refer them for urgent treatment.
OCHA stated that there has been a slight improvement in the number of children and pregnant and breastfeeding women consuming the minimum required food groups since the ceasefire. This progress is attributed to the increased availability of goods in local markets.
However, the agency warned that Israel’s renewed blockade is once again putting at risk the “progress made in delivering vital, lifesaving assistance” since the ceasefire took effect.
“If the disruption to aid entry continues, at least 80 community kitchens may soon run out of stock,” OCHA said. “Among the kitchens that remain operational, some will need to start adjusting meal content or reducing the number of meals prepared to cope with anticipated shortages.”
Aid agencies may also be forced to scale back food rations. While the distribution of previously dispatched food parcels continues, these remaining supplies—intended to support 500,000 people—are expected to run out soon.
