GENEVA, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Saturday of deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions in the Gaza Strip as winter intensifies, confirming that ten children have died from hypothermia since the beginning of the season.
In a post on his account on X, Ghebreyesus said that cold waves and heavy rainfall are exacerbating the suffering of children and families living in poorly insulated temporary shelters, exposing them to serious health risks amid severe overcrowding and inadequate water and sanitation services.
He cautioned that the risk of disease outbreaks is increasing, noting a rise in acute respiratory infections and a growing number of severe cases requiring admission to intensive care units.
The WHO chief stressed that the organization continues to support health facilities in Gaza with medicines and essential equipment and is working with partners to provide blankets and heating supplies, including warm hats for newborns and thermal blankets to protect patients from the cold.
Ghebreyesus renewed his call for ensuring sustained and unhindered access for humanitarian and medical assistance to all parts of the Gaza Strip, and for allowing the urgent entry of medical supplies, heating materials and shelter improvements. (end) amk.aa