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« EnviroHealth in Blogs: Can I recycle that? | Main | The science has spoken –- will policy makers listen? »

January 30, 2008

Political turmoil, public health catastrophy

It’s hard to talk about the situation in Gaza without being political. And having grown up in 90’s in Serbia, a country that experienced severe electricity and water restrictions during its political troubles, makes me very sympathetic to the struggles of people living under similar conditions.

However, unless you had my growing up experiences, you might not be inclined to stop and think how political turmoil can threaten public health for people living in the area.

Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has such numerous problems because of its political turmoil -- the most recent problem being the lack of fuel in the area. Because of the lack of fuel, streets started to turn into sewers, carrying mix of human and animal waste.

Last week, Israel ceased delivery of fuel and all supplies to Gaza, which stopped the sewage treatment plant work. The consequences have been alarming and the local ministry of health has declared this situation an environmental catastrophe.

A recent World Health Organization statement raised the concern over the continuity of basic health care. According to WHO:

“Frequent electricity cuts and the limited power available to run hospital generators are of particular concern, as they disrupt the functioning of intensive care units, operating theatres, and emergency rooms. In the central pharmacy, power shortages have interrupted refrigeration of perishable medical supplies, including vaccines. WHO consignments of essential medicines and consumables have recently been delayed at the border.

WHO welcomes the easing of movement of some fuel and supplies today. However, WHO calls for additional measures to ensure no further disruptions. WHO further calls for restoration of electricity to health facilities, lifting of restrictions on the movement of medicines and essential commodities to Gaza, and for patients to have access to health care outside Gaza.”

To read more about this, check out this article.

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