Geneva (Reuters)-Gaza recorded its largest monthly number of acute malnutrition in children, with the increase in hunger-related deaths at the Enclave, said the director general of the World Health Organization on Thursday.
“In July, about 12,000 children under the age of five were identified as having acute malnutrition in Gaza, the largest monthly number ever recorded,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the entity’s headquarters.
At least 99 people died, including 64 adults and 35 children, including 29 under 5, from the beginning of this year until July 29, Tedros said.
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About 2,500 of these children are suffering from severe malnutrition, according to WHO.
“The total volume of nutritional supplies remains completely insufficient to prevent even greater deterioration. The market needs to be flooded. There must be food diversity,” said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for busy Palestinian territory, through a video link.
(Report by Olivia Le Poidevin)
