World Health Organization Delivers Aids To Gaza In A Complex Mission

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with international partners, successfully delivered crucial aid to the hospitals of Gaza. This complex operation, carried out under challenging conditions, aimed to bring relief to health facilities struggling amidst ongoing hostilities.

The mission's primary goal was to resupply fuel to Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in northern Gaza. The hospital has been grappling with a severe shortage of fuel, essential for powering generators that keep life-saving equipment running. On January 24, 2024, WHO and its partners managed to deliver 19,000 liters of fuel to the hospital.

The journey to Al-Shifa was fraught with difficulties, including delays at checkpoints and severely damaged roads. Upon arrival, the team encountered thousands of civilians in desperate need of food and water, which further delayed the mission. Despite these obstacles, the WHO representatives persevered, witnessing an improvement in the hospital's functionality since their last visit.

Al-Shifa Hospital has managed to maintain essential services, including emergency care, surgical units, and a dialysis unit, despite the destruction of its primary oxygen plant. Plans are underway to reopen a 9-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the coming days. However, the lack of maternity and pediatric services, shortages of specialized doctors, and the dire need for medical supplies remain critical concerns.

The WHO's mission to Gaza is a stark reminder of the region's urgent need for continuous humanitarian assistance. With only seven out of 24 hospitals remaining open in northern Gaza and two primary healthcare centers partially functional, the demand for medical care is overwhelming. The international community's support is vital to ensure that these facilities can once again fully serve the population.