Threat of epidemics in Gaza - Democratic Underground

DogPoundPup

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Fri Jan-09-09 11:40 PM
Original message

Threat of epidemics in Gaza

Source: Ramalla Online

The total halt to vaccinations in Gaza since the Israeli offensive began on 27 December could result in epidemics, a risk increased by Gaza’s high population density and dire living conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on 8 January.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians live in the 365sqkm coastal Strip.

"If vaccinations are stopped for one or two weeks this is enough to cause a widespread outbreak of avoidable diseases - such as measles, hepatitis and polio - amongst children and the larger population," WHO health officer Mahmoud Daher told IRIN by telephone from Gaza.
"Efforts have been made for 15 years here to stop these diseases. One or two weeks of an interruption of vaccination programmes can create a risk," warned Daher.

Read more: http://ramallahonline.com/content/2717-threat-of-epidemics-in-gaza-

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.