One displaced lady informed UN Information’s correspondent in Gaza: “In all camps, we endure from biting bugs, particularly fleas,” including that “our kids endure from extreme ache as a consequence of itching and stinging.
“We tried to deal with it in easy methods, however the fitting medicines usually are not accessible on the medical centre.”
Whereas biting bugs present in Gaza usually are not instantly life-threatening, the presence of rodents, together with rats, can improve the chance of the unfold of infectious illnesses which the well being system in Gaza could also be unable to deal with.
Insufficient sanitation
The dearth of sufficient sanitation, together with restricted entry to wash bathrooms, common overcrowding as folks attempt to discover locations to stay amongst the rubble of Gaza – and the challenges of eradicating garbage from the streets – have amplified the menace posed by rats.
Groups from UNRWA, the UN company which helps the folks of Gaza, have initiated intensive clean-up operations in addition to environmental and well being consciousness campaigns. The variety of dermatology consultations in well being amenities has additionally elevated.
UNRWA employees are actively shifting by way of tents for displaced folks in Khan Younis within the southern a part of the Gaza Strip spraying pesticides to counter the unfold of bugs, fleas and rodents.
Uncollected trash in Gaza is encouraging rats.
UNRWA groups have labored in roughly 50 displacement websites within the Mawasi space of Khan Younis.
They’ve targeted on areas the place there may be overcrowding, improper waste disposal, the presence of livestock and the dearth of hygiene supplies.
“Due to the extreme warmth and sleeping on the sand, we had been uncovered to biting bugs, rodents, and mosquitoes,” stated one resident as he watched an UNRWA environmental well being officer spraying pesticides round non permanent shelters.
A health care provider from UNRWA’s Environmental Well being group explains to moms how one can deal with insect bites.
Instructional Periods
In a close-by tent, a bunch of ladies gathered round awareness-raising instructors from the company’s Environmental Well being Workplace for an academic session on how one can guard towards bugs and rodents.
The conferences goal ladies, women and adolescents to familiarize them with how one can face this well being problem.
In the meantime, Gaza continues to wrestle for the reason that 7 October 2023 assaults by Hamas on Israel precipitated the shattering battle.
No humanitarian help or provides have entered the Gaza Strip since 2 March 2025, as a consequence of Israel’s complete blockade.
UNRWA says very important humanitarian provides, together with meals, gas, medical help and vaccines for kids, are nearly exhausted.
The company warned that pesticide shares are anticipated to expire inside days in southern Gaza, whereas they’ve already run out within the central areas and north of the Strip.
