Addressing limited access to water sanitation and hygiene in Gaza strip shelters during conflict
Abstract This correspondence addresses a critical humanitarian concern: the inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in shelters within the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing conflict. Recent data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00404-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract This correspondence addresses a critical humanitarian concern: the inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in shelters within the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing conflict. Recent data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that approximately 200,000 civilians are displaced, with only 30% of shelters having access to potable water and even fewer possessing functional sanitation infrastructure. This deficiency poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, heightening the prevalence of waterborne diseases and impeding efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This article underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to mobilize resources and enhance WASH services in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights principles. Additionally, it advocates for research to understand the factors contributing to the WASH crisis in conflict-affected settings, aiming to inform targeted interventions and protect the health and dignity of displaced populations. The global community is called upon to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure access to essential services, working towards mitigating the health impacts of the WASH crisis in Gaza Strip shelters and advancing health equity in humanitarian contexts. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0774 |