Summary
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, frequently calls for blood donations due to an influx of patients from ongoing conflict-related injuries, but many potential donors suffer from malnutrition, making their blood unusable. There is a critical shortage of blood units in Gaza, partly because of restrictions on transferring blood from outside regions like the West Bank. Many residents face severe food shortages due to the blockade, leading to malnutrition and related health problems.
Key Facts
- Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis regularly requests blood donations due to many injured patients.
- A significant number of potential blood donors have anemia and malnutrition, making their blood unsuitable.
- The lack of nutritious food like meat, milk, and eggs is widespread due to the Israeli blockade.
- Gaza needs 400 units of blood daily, but supply is critically low.
- Efforts to transfer blood units from the West Bank are blocked by occupation authorities.
- At least 66 children have died from starvation caused by the ongoing conflict.
- UNICEF reported over 5,000 children received treatment for acute malnutrition in May.
- Many residents, including children, eat minimal meals, lacking essential nutrients.
