Health Ministry: Alarming surge in meningitis cases among children in Gaza

In a press statement, the ministry reported a clear increase in suspected and confirmed cases of meningitis, particularly among children under the age of five, the group most vulnerable to the disease and its serious complications.

The ministry noted that the deteriorating level of healthcare, with hospitals and primary care centers rendered inoperative or destroyed, coupled with a severe shortage of medications and a lack of children’s vaccinations, is hindering emergency response efforts.

It further pointed to several high-risk factors that have created fertile ground for the spread and outbreak of diseases, especially among the most vulnerable age groups with weakened immunity, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

“The catastrophic conditions in shelters, the acute shortage of drinking water, the spread of sewage, and the accumulation of waste are pushing the health situation toward further deterioration,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Health further issued an urgent appeal to all relevant entities to intervene immediately to improve health and living conditions, curb the spread of the disease, and strengthen the supply of essential medicines for confirmed cases as well as necessary vaccinations.

It also urged Gaza residents to follow proper preventive measures and medical guidelines to help reduce the risk of disease spread, particularly among children.