In this impassioned interview to Global Compass from Geneva, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević sheds light on the dire health crisis unfolding in Gaza, emphasizing the catastrophic impact on the region’s most vulnerable populations, including children. The interview outlines the systematic dismantling of the health infrastructure, leaving over 2 million people without access to essential medical services.
The situation in Gaza is dire: only 16 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional, with many having closed due to evacuation orders. Injured civilians, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases are unable to receive the medical attention they desperately need. The humanitarian efforts to deliver aid are severely hampered by a lack of fuel, medical supplies, and safe access to affected areas.
Tarik Jašarević also highlights the alarming resurgence of polio among children in Gaza, a disease that had been nearly eradicated in the region. With immunization rates plummeting since the conflict began, children are increasingly vulnerable to this and other infectious diseases. The spread of polio is exacerbated by unsanitary living conditions and the lack of clean water, further deepening the health crisis.
He makes a passionate plea for a ceasefire, arguing that the first step to addressing this health crisis is to ensure the security of Gaza’s residents. Without an end to the violence, humanitarian efforts will continue to be blocked, leaving millions to suffer in silence. This conversation is a critical call to action for the international community to focus on the urgent needs of Gaza’s population.
