Bulletin #81: War and disease: health crises persist in Sudan, Gaza
This fortnight
Poliovirus has been detected in Gaza's wastewater, raising concerns about possible outbreaks. The virus had been contained for 25 years, but constant displacement, lack of food and healthcare, and destroyed public health capacities have heightened the risk for children to face this debilitating disease again. As Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, hospitals and health centers are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
In Sudan, over a year of bloody conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has severely damaged the healthcare system. Thousands of displaced people forced into refugee camps in neighboring countries face hunger, the threat of sexual violence, and outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Wars and armed conflicts worldwide have undermined vaccination campaigns, resulting in children missing crucial immunizations and the resurgence of diseases that could have been controlled years ago.
In South Korea, nurses continue to struggle with chronic health worker shortages, relying heavily on overtime. Trade unions are advocating for a different approach to address the health workforce crisis, including strengthening the healthcare sector beyond the tertiary level and providing fair salaries.
In focus: Health in Palestine
Poliovirus detected in Gaza’s wastewater, sparking concerns of an outbreak
Health conditions in Gaza deteriorate daily as the waste disposal system collapses and poliovirus is detected in sewage water, raising outbreak concerns
Israel’s latest massacres have exacerbated the crisis in Gaza’s healthcare facilities
Gaza’s hospitals, already overwhelmed, are struggling with an influx of casualties following brutal attacks on refugee camps. Sugary drinks have become the most affordable food as aid delivery obstructions persist
Photo gallery: Polio detected in Gaza
Featured articles
Sudan’s health crisis, from war zones to refugee camps
The health crisis in Sudan has reached critical levels due to the widespread destruction of hospitals, collapsed sanitation infrastructure, and mass displacement of the population
Violent conflicts have stalled global vaccination rates, putting children at risk for preventable diseases
Four years after the onset of COVID-19, children’s vaccination rates are stalling and declining. Armed conflicts and weakening of public health systems are to blame
Short reads
Overtime crisis among health workers in South Korea persists
Health workers in South Korea report widespread reliance on overtime to address staffing shortages, affecting everyone in the sector
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Voices from the Field22 July 2024
Kat Lay
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Medact