Title: Pregnant Women in Gaza Struggle with Malnutrition Amidst Conflict
In the midst of ongoing conflict in Gaza, pregnant women are facing severe malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of proper healthcare, putting both themselves and their babies at risk.
Wafaa al-Kurd, a pregnant woman in northern Gaza, gave birth to a baby girl named Tayma weighing nearly six pounds. Her husband has been struggling to find enough food for his wife to breastfeed and keep their newborn alive.
According to the Gaza health ministry, nearly 60,000 pregnant women in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition, with about 5,000 women giving birth every month in harsh and unsafe conditions due to the ongoing bombardment and displacement.
Dr. Deborah Harrington, an obstetrician working in Gaza, highlighted the lack of pre- and postnatal care for expectant and new mothers, leading to unsafe deliveries and increased risks for both mothers and babies.
The Global Nutrition Cluster reported that over 90 percent of children under 2 and pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza are facing severe food poverty, with limited access to fruits, vegetables, and clean water.
Pregnant women like Aya Saada and Kholoud Saada are struggling to find nutritious food in the markets, with limited options for healthy meals during their pregnancies.
The fear of giving birth to babies with health issues due to malnutrition and lack of proper care looms large for these vulnerable mothers in Gaza.
As the conflict continues to escalate, aid agencies and health officials are warning of a looming famine in the besieged enclave, with children and pregnant women facing the brunt of the crisis.
The international community is urged to provide urgent assistance to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
