The Consequences of Severe Malnutrition in a Male Individual
In the Gaza Strip, a hunger crisis is unfolding, affecting over two million people. The lack of food access and malnutrition are causing irreversible physical and cognitive damage in children, weakened immune systems, increased vulnerability to infections, chronic diseases, stunted growth, and reduced economic and educational potential for both children and adults.
The immediate consequences of malnutrition are severe. Children suffering from acute and chronic malnutrition face impaired physical development, cognitive delays, and higher mortality risks. Malnutrition also compromises the immune system across all ages, making individuals more susceptible to diseases and infections. Pregnant women and the elderly are among the most vulnerable to the resulting health complications.
The degradation of Gaza's infrastructure has worsened access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, which, alongside food shortages, increases the spread of infectious diseases. More than 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition in recent months, with tens of thousands severely malnourished, leading to deaths and long-term medical consequences.
One of the people at risk of starvation is 20-year-old Mohammed. A sporty young man who has been living in war for 22 months, Mohammed now experiences maddening pain, weakness, and can no longer play soccer. Another individual, Mohamed Abu Mughaisib, a doctor in the Gaza Strip, is also starving due to lack of food.
The long-term effects of malnutrition are far-reaching. Survivors may face growth problems in children, menstrual disorders in women, and kidney and heart problems. Even if many people are saved from starvation, these survivors may face long-term effects.
The health crisis in Gaza presents a compounded burden of immediate life-threatening conditions and ongoing generational harm to physical and mental health. It requires sustained humanitarian and rebuilding efforts to mitigate long-term damage. Significantly better medical care could save many lives in the Gaza Strip.
Sources:
- Al Jazeera
- The New York Times
- The Guardian
- Doctors Without Borders
- BBC News
- Due to the ongoing hunger crisis, a comprehensive community policy should be established to address food access and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip.
- In addition to community policies, employment policies need to consider and address the medical conditions, including chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, that are exacerbated by malnutrition.
- As malnutrition affects cognitive abilities, it is essential to prioritize health and wellness, mental health, and nutrition in employment policies.
- Politics and general news outlets should raise awareness about the health crisis in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for fitness and exercise programs to promote overall health and mitigate the effects of malnutrition.
- To address the immediate and long-term consequences of the health crisis, it is vital for the Gaza Strip's infrastructure to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
- To save lives and reduce long-term damage in the Gaza Strip, sustained humanitarian efforts should focus on improving medical care, providing essential resources, and implementing comprehensive health and employment policies.
