Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director, spoke at a press conference about emergencies in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, as well as in war-torn Sudan and beyond.
She also highlighted the important role of the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA in Gaza and called for peace.
“We urgently call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Sudan, and for unhindered access to deliver lifesaving aid.,” she speak.
Gaza conflict escalates
Dr. Balkhy reported that since her last meeting “The conflict we feared would escalate has become more acuteleading to a severe recession in the Middle East.”
Food security experts have warned of impending famine in North Gaza, where 15 UN agency heads have described the situation there as “apocalyptic”, however “tragic” is that nothing has changed – and probably only gotten worse,” she added.
“Amidst this ceaseless violence, We are working tirelessly to maintain hospital operations and evacuate patients who require intensive care.she said.
‘There really is no safe place in Gaza’
In fact, WHO and partners facilitated the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since the conflict began, transporting 90 patients and 139 companions to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Romania, mostly to the UAE.
“WHO has always supported medical evacuation during hostilities,” she said, noting that the trauma and mental toll of conflict is immeasurable.
Over the past three weeks, WHO and partners have completed seven missions to North Gaza, including five to Kamal Adwan Hospital. Several other missions were planned but were not facilitated.
The teams delivered essential medical and surgical supplies to keep the hospital running, but on one occasion “heavy bombardment continued near where our teams were delivering aid,” she said, emphasizing that “There really is no safe place in Gaza.”
The polio campaign was successful
Dr. Balkhy also highlighted the completion of the second round of a major campaign to vaccinate young children against polio in Gaza, calling it a “huge achievement.”
She said the operation had succeeded in the face of unimaginable odds, with planned humanitarian pauses having been significantly curtailed, which spoke to the incredible courage of the teams treating the sick. polio, parents and caregivers.
UNRWA staff played a central role in the recent polio vaccination drive in Gaza.
UNRWA cannot be replaced
She added that it is impossible to discuss Gaza without acknowledging UNRWA’s indispensable role in providing vital services.
“As the Director-General of the World Health Organization has emphasized, there is no substitute for UNRWA,” she said.
“I would like to take this moment to recognize the dedication of UNRWA staff – medical and humanitarian professionals working tirelessly for their communities in unimaginable circumstances. Our work and the work of other humanitarian partners in the occupied Palestinian territory would not be possible without them.”
‘Systemic disruption’ in Lebanon
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon is “equally worrying”, she said, and the WHO has verified it 103 healthcare attacks since October 8, 2023.
She said as of today, 17 hospitals have stopped operating or are only partially operating due to insecurity or damage. In war zones, about 127 primary health care centers and clinics, nearly 60%, have been forced to close.
“We cannot – and must not – allow this to become the norm.”
She added that to prepare for the burden of trauma, more than 5,500 medical staff at more than 112 hospitals have been trained in mass casualty management and psychological first aid.
WHO also delivered 124 tons of medical supplies to Lebanon, including three months’ supply of blood bank reserves and trauma kits for 45 priority hospitals.
Cease fire and protect
Ms. Balkhy reaffirmed WHO’s “key demands” for the region, including the call for an immediate ceasefire.
“We demand the protection of civilians, medical personnel and medical facilities at all times, in all countries facing humanitarian and health emergencies,” she continued.
“And we ask the world to remember every community in need – from Afghanistan to Syria, Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia and Sudan – and stand with us in our humanitarian mission to serve Surname.”
Sigrid Kaag, United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator in Gaza, meets with displaced people in Gaza City.
Kaag visits the relocation center
In related developments, the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, visited a major UNRWA displacement center in western Gaza City on Saturday.
The senior official met with families who had to leave their homeland because of the war and observed their living conditions.
Ms. Kaag visited one of the UNRWA-managed medical clinics in the displacement center, speaking with children and families seeking medical treatment.
She also visited two prominent Christian houses of worship in Gaza City, the Orthodox Church and the Latin Convent Church, meeting with displaced families taking refuge there.
