Source: UN News: Tuesday, 09 December 2025 00:01 AM
The devastation of the war in Gaza has left the health system in ruins. Here, every week at least 15 women are forced to give birth to children without any kind of health facility. In Gaza, women are facing the pain of giving birth, without any trained midwives, painkillers or basic medical supplies. Many pregnant women here are forced to give birth alone, without any support, while other women rely on neighbors with no medical training. For many women, giving birth has now become a matter of life and death. This year, ahead of the fragile ceasefire that came into effect in October, the United Nations Reproductive Health Agency (UNFPA) estimated that 55 thousand pregnant women were trapped in a cycle of “displacement, bombardment and severe hunger”, and had no access to health care. A question of life and death The effects of this situation are fatal, as severe malnutrition, fatigue and constant fear have led to a sharp increase in preterm births, abortions and infant mortality. In Gaza, about 130 children are born every day, more than a quarter of them by operation. Also, 1 in 5 of these babies are born prematurely or have low birth weight, and in these cases, usually require specialist care. UNFPA is supporting 22 health centers in Gaza, including five hospitals. Additionally, the agency has deployed 175 trained midwives across the region. “Our support is making a difference,” says Nestor Owomuhangi, UNFPA representative in Palestine. © UNICEF/Mohammed Nateel Births in dangerous conditions UNFPA representative visits al-Shifa maternity hospital in Gaza. He told that Al-Shifa Hospital was once the largest maternity hospital in Gaza, now most of this hospital has been destroyed. The hospital’s continued functioning is “extraordinary.” Nestor Owomuhangi said UNFPA is helping to ensure that 98 percent of births in Gaza take place in health centers and hospitals. However, he warned that about 18 babies are being born every day, away from the safety and facilities of hospitals, often in dangerous conditions that can have tragic consequences. Meanwhile, UNFPA is helping in Gaza, via Egypt The agency is continuing its relief efforts by sending medicines, dignity kits and reproductive health supplies. The agency is also providing cash assistance to vulnerable women, helplines for women and youth, and hygiene items and clothing for displaced families.