Favour Ozioma Ogbodo
A joint UN humanitarian assessment team has decried the state of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, saying it was concerned about risks of infections in the facility due to improper waste disposal.
This was sequel to a visit to the hospital by the team on November 18, 2023.
It stated that it observed a desperate situation with medical and solid waste accumulating in corridors, posing infection risks. The team further said patients and staff at the hospital, terrified for their safety, pleaded for evacuation.
Also, it lamented that Al-Shifa Hospital can no longer admit patients, redirecting them to the overwhelmed Indonesian Hospital.
“WHO expresses deep concern about the safety and health needs of patients, health workers, and displaced individuals at remaining hospitals in the north, facing closure due to a lack of essential supplies. Immediate efforts are crucial to restore functionality and address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“WHO emphasises the plea for a ceasefire, sustained humanitarian assistance, unhindered access, release of hostages, and the cessation of attacks on vital infrastructure. The gravity of the situation demands an immediate and compassionate response to alleviate the extreme suffering of the people of Gaza,” WHO stated in a post on X on Saturday night.
Al-Shifa Hospital, once the region’s largest and most advanced, is in the north of Gaza.The lack of essential aid over the last six weeks after it was hit by an Israeli missile, including clean water, fuel, medicines and food, has left the hospital congested.
The humanitarian team, given limited time due to security constraints, observed a desperate situation with medical and solid waste accumulating in corridors, posing infection risks.
