At least $10 billion needed to rebuild Gaza's health system

(CLO) The World Health Organization (WHO) said Gaza needs at least $10 billion to rebuild its devastated health system over the next five to seven years, according to an initial assessment released on Thursday.

“The needs are enormous,” Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Palestinian territories, told reporters, noting that the health sector recovery alone is estimated to cost more than $3 billion in the first year and a half and about $10 billion over the next five to seven years.

Gaza residents still face danger despite the ceasefire announcement. File photo: CC/Wafa

Mr Peeperkorn described the level of devastation in Gaza as “unprecedented anywhere else” in his career. The WHO warned that Gaza’s health system had collapsed, with less than half of its hospitals still functioning.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed relief at the news that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire. He called it “the best news we have at this time” and hoped the agreement would end the darkest chapter in the history of Israeli-Palestinian relations.

However, Mr. Tedros also cautioned that the agreement needed to be confirmed and called on the parties to immediately implement the ceasefire, not waiting until Sunday as planned. "The best medicine is peace," he affirmed.

WHO said it was ready to expand emergency assistance to Gaza. However, Peeperkorn stressed that it was important to remove security and political barriers so that aid could be delivered to Gaza quickly, safely and unhindered.

Humanitarian organizations have called for a major increase in aid to Gaza, which is in the midst of a post-war humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people are living in makeshift refugee camps, lacking clean water, food and medical services.

Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed and severely lacking in medical equipment, medicines and medical staff. Medical infrastructure has been severely damaged, many facilities completely destroyed.

WHO also warns of the risk of dangerous disease outbreaks due to poor sanitation and crowded living conditions in refugee camps.

Mr Tedros called on the international community to work closely together to help Gaza and Israel recover from the war. “Let the healing process begin, not just for Gaza but also for Israel. This is in everyone’s interest,” he said.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-can-it-nhat-10-ty-usd-de-tai-thiet-he-thong-y-te-o-gaza-post330806.html