Post by Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp

Chickenpox is spreading in Gaza, where 1.7 million people are forced to live in overcrowded displacement sites under unsanitary conditions. Many family members share tents, bedding, and sanitation facilities, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. The lack of clean water, cleaning supplies, and medicine, combined with environmental contamination from sewage, waste, and rubble, as well as the widespread presence of rodents and insects, makes the symptoms unbearable and recovery almost impossible. Rawa, the child in these photos, is only ten years old. She has been battling the virus for over a month, and her condition is deteriorating. Several of her siblings have now also contracted the disease. Her father has spoken to our staff, pleading for mercy and relief for his children. We are working in the worst-affected sites, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits. However, the so-called yellow line expansion has restricted Palestinians' access to land, further eroding living conditions that are already on the brink of survival. Unimpeded and sustained access must be granted to reach affected populations, prevent further disease transmission, and reduce avoidable suffering. Press release in the comment below ⬇️