“Children in Gaza are consistently suffering from respiratory problems and severe flu”
Imagine your child coughing, barely breathing, because their home has been reduced to rubble. Because the air they now breathe is filled with the dust of relentless conflict. And because this dust carries with it toxic asbestos.
This is what children in Gaza are now living with.
Children as young as 11 months (and under) are suffering most. Many have asthma, chronic respiratory infections, and pneumonia.
And with limited access to healthcare and resources, such as food and clean water, nothing exists to relieve them from sickness.
In fact, what little food there is, is contaminated by this deadly dust.
“Dust… it pollutes our air, our belongings, our food, and the atmosphere around us.” says the Programme Director at SOS Children’s Villages in Gaza
Dust: a dangerous bedfellow
For many, the dust has even become a ruthless roommate.
“Most are living amidst the rubble of their homes. They are not fully aware of the harmful effects of the dust and debris and how it impacts their health. The lack of awareness about the risks of asbestos, combined with the ongoing challenges they face trying to rebuild their lives, means they are unable to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from this health hazard.”
But even away from the ruins, no one can escape it. This barely detectable danger, ever-present, surrounds them.
“You also will [be] exposed to the dust even if there is distance between you and the bombardment location… it’s huge and affects people from distances away.”
Everyday illnesses are now “a death sentence”
Since the conflict began, an estimated 15,613 children have been killed.
And without urgent action, more children will die.
“The people in Gaza are trapped in a dangerous cycle of malnutrition and disease, turning everyday illness into a death sentence, particularly for children.” says the World Health Organisation.
And it’s not just their physical health that’s being affected. Over one million children need mental health support in Gaza.
“The psychological state of the children is deeply concerning. Many are showing signs of trauma, anxiety, fear, and emotional withdrawal.” says a caregiver from SOS Children’s Villages in Gaza.
“The constant exposure to conflict, displacement, and instability continues to take a heavy toll, and unfortunately, the root causes of this distress such as insecurity, noise of bombardment, and separation from family remain unchanged.”
The homes they once lived in no longer exist. Now, bombs land within 800metres of their temporary shelter in Khan Younis.
Here, SOS Children’s Villages staff, unaccompanied and separated children, and internally displaced families are currently living together in a tent encampment that SOS Children’s Villages Rafah (now reduced to rubble itself) established.
It hosts a total of 151 people. The camp covers 10,000m2 (roughly the size of 1.5 football pitches).
“The situation is so critical that we are struggling to respond to even the most basic needs such as food, clean water, and safe shelter.
“Despite these challenges, we are doing what we can within our capacity.”
Active in our support of children and families
SOS Children’s Villages continue to support children and families in Gaza through mental health support and cash assistance, and ensures the staff, families and children within our care stay as safe and protected as possible.
Children must never bear the brunt of conflict.
We continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid.
Read more updates
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