Rising hospital admissions for severe malnutrition among children highlight an impending health crisis, warns WHO as the healthcare system falters.
Recent reports reveal a staggering increase in severe malnutrition cases among young children in Gaza, with over 2,700 diagnosed with acute malnutrition, reflecting a sharp rise since assessments began in February, according to the United Nations.
In the latter half of May, of nearly 47,000 children screened under the age of five, 5.8 percent—or 2,733—were identified as suffering from acute malnutrition. This number is nearly three times higher than the figures recorded three months prior, as stated by the UN on Thursday.
Furthermore, the need for hospitalization for severe acute malnutrition has approximately doubled in May compared to previous months, as detailed in a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Data from the Nutrition Cluster referenced by OCHA indicates that since January, more than 16,500 under-fives have been diagnosed and treated for severe acute malnutrition, including 141 children with complications that necessitate hospital admission.
Despite the alarming increase in malnutrition cases, OCHA’s report emphasizes that only four centers equipped to treat severe acute malnutrition with medical complications are currently operational in the Gaza Strip, leaving many without crucial care.
According to the report, stabilisation centers in North Gaza and Rafah have had to cease operations, denying children in these communities access to life-saving treatments.
The UN’s latest concerns about the health crisis affecting the youth in Gaza come in the context of widespread starvation across the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that the area’s health system is on the brink of collapse.
Issuing a plea for the “urgent protection” of two critical hospitals, WHO stated that both the Nasser Medical Complex, the primary referral hospital in Gaza, and Al-Amal Hospital are on the verge of becoming nonoperational.
“The persistent and systematic destruction of healthcare facilities in Gaza has continued for far too long, and it must come to an immediate halt,” stated WHO.
“Immediate protection of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital is essential to maintain accessibility, functionality, and safety from conflict-related threats,” it stressed.
“Patients seeking essential care must not endanger their lives in the journey to hospitals.”
UN officials, healthcare practitioners in Gaza, and medical organizations have long accused Israeli forces of intentionally targeting health workers and facilities, contributing to what they describe as an effort to render life unsustainable for the Palestinian population.
WHO calls for urgent protection of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital in the Gaza Strip
WHO warns that the #Gaza Strip’s health system is collapsing, with Nasser Medical Complex, the most important referral hospital left in Gaza, and Al-Amal Hospital at risk of becoming… pic.twitter.com/Rd3ZjASuBp
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) June 5, 2025