Gaza city: The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has raised concerns that over 100,000 children along with 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition until April next year.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, this alarming prediction follows the release of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report by UN agencies. The report highlights that at least 1.6 million people in Gaza are currently facing severe levels of acute food insecurity, which is expected to persist through mid-April 2026.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that in the worst-case scenarios, including a potential renewal of conflict and a cessation of humanitarian aid, the entire Gaza Strip could be at risk of famine by mid-April 2026. He noted that despite efforts to combat famine, progress remains fragile due to widespread infrastructure destruction, collapsed livelihoods, diminished local food production, and restricted humanitarian operations.
He emphasized that only half of Gaza's health facilities are partially operational, struggling with shortages of essential supplies and equipment, which are hampered by complex entry procedures and restrictions. He called for the urgent and expedited approval and entry of critical medical supplies, equipment, and prefabricated hospital structures to enhance life-saving services and improve access to care.