Gaza report: Malnutrition is now so severe it is causing disabilities

• New report from International disability charity Humanity & Inclusion focuses on the impact of malnutrition on people with disabilities in Gaza.
• The conflict in Gaza has led to unprecedented levels of malnutrition, with over 70% of arable fields destroyed.
• 1.84 million Gazans are already facing acute hunger, and the number facing catastrophic food insecurity is expected to triple by April.
• Malnutrition disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable, particularly people with disabilities.
• Malnutrition both worsens and, in many cases, causes disabilities due to its severe physical and cognitive impacts.

1.84 million people in Gaza experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity

Malnutrition is exacerbated by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, repeated population displacements, the collapse of the healthcare system, and severely restricted access to food, fuel and water.

Close to 100% of Gaza’s population now lives in poverty. About 1.84 million people across the Gaza Strip are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity classified in IPC (Integrated food security Phase Classification) Phase 3 (Crisis) or above.

According to the IPC Snapshot, the risk of famine between November 2024 and April 2025 persists as long as conflict continues, and humanitarian access is restricted.

Continued displacement orders have severely disrupted humanitarian operations, making it harder for people to access food, water, and medicine. As coping mechanisms deteriorate, the population in IPC Phase 5 – Catastrophe/Famine - is expected to double by early 2025.

Malnutrition is a vicious cycle for people with disabilities

Malnutrition is closely linked to disability. Malnutrition both worsens and, in many cases, causes disabilities due to its severe physical and cognitive impacts.

As nutrition worsens, more people in Gaza are becoming ill, with 90% of children under five suffering from at least one infectious disease. A lack of essential nutrients can significantly weaken the immune system, increase vulnerability to infections, reduce muscle strength, delay wound healing, impair both physical and cognitive functioning, and heighten the risk of health complications. Over time, malnutrition-induced weakness may worsen pre-existing mobility limitations, and make recovery increasingly difficult.

The implications of malnutrition for individuals with disabilities are profound. Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate existing health conditions, impair mobility, and hinder development in children. For instance, insufficient protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, while deficiencies in micronutrients like zinc and iron can result in weakened immune function and cognitive impairments. This creates a vicious cycle where health declines lead to increased vulnerability to further health issues, compounding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Malnutrition increases risk of polio among unvaccinated children

In northern Gaza, the third phase of the polio vaccination campaign, set to begin on 23 October 2024, had to be postponed due to escalating violence, intense bombardment, mass displacement orders, and lack of assured humanitarian pauses. This final phase of the campaign aimed to vaccinate 119,279 children across northern Gaza. The disruption not only increases the risk of polio outbreaks but also heightens vulnerabilities for children already suffering from malnutrition, whose weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to infections and complications.

If left unaddressed, the combination of malnutrition and delayed vaccinations could result in preventable disabilities, compounding the already dire challenges faced by children and further overwhelming Gaza’s healthcare system.

Notes

• Link to HI's report "The Impact of War - Malnourishment and Disability in the Gaza Strip" here 

Spokespersons:

• Mara Bernasconi, HI's advocacy and policy Manager for Gaza and the West Bank (Italian, based in Jordan)
• George Graham, HI UK Executive Director (British, based in London)

 Impact of war on people with disabilities in Gaza

The Israeli government’s bombardment, blockade, and major ground offensive in Gaza is having a devastating toll on people with disabilities, who face greater difficulties fleeing attacks and accessing humanitarian aid.

“The situation for persons with disabilities in northern Gaza is catastrophic. Many cannot evacuate - not because they don’t want to, but because their assistive devices have been destroyed. Those with hearing disabilities don’t even know when to evacuate. Parents feel the greatest burden, torn by guilt as they risk staying, unable to leave their children with disabilities behind.”  says Mohammad, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Disaster Risk Management Officer, Northern Gaza.

Children who have acquired a disability and children who already had a disability in Gaza face a precarious security situation and additional difficulties as they struggle to comply with frequent evacuation orders and a lack of effective warning of attacks. The continuous obstruction of humanitarian aid and the damage and destruction of hospitals harm children with disabilities, who struggle to access medical treatment and supplies, assistive devices, food and water. They are at particular risk of lasting psychological harm.

Thousands of children in Gaza have acquired disabilities from explosive weapon injuries since October 7, 2023. Before the escalation, 98,000 children between the ages of 2 and 17 were already living with disabilities and are now struggling to survive.

HI’s actions in Gaza

The below figures refer to HI’s intervention in the Gaza strip since October 2023 to September 2024.

• HI’s teams organised 157,191 wound dressing sessions, 169,761 physiotherapy sessions, 57,692 occupational therapy sessions, and 48,190 psychological first aid (PFA) session
• HI distributed 2,470 mobility aids and 8,076 non-food item (NFI) kits, including wound dressing, first aid supplies, hygiene items and dignity kits for children and adult
• HI’s teams have supported over 64,950 children through recreational activities such as drawing, storytelling, and crafts, while focusing on Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) in their educational activities
• HI’s community-based agents conducted 19,320 awareness sessions on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Conflict Protection and Preparedness reaching 139,970 children and 147,707 adults across 22 shelters and other locations.

Urgent appeal for funds

Humanity & Inclusion has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to provide desperately needed support to the most vulnerable people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Donations can be made:

• online at: https://www.humanity-inclusion.org.uk/en/gaza-crisis  
• by SMS: Text GAZA to 70450 to donate £10. (Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message)
• by phone: 0330 555 0156