PMRS: “52% of Gaza Children Suffer From Malnutrition”

Wednesday June 30, 2010 09:44 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News

A study conducted by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) revealed that 52% of the children in Gaza suffer from anaemia, and severe deficiency in phosphor, calcium and zinc, while a significant number of children suffer from infections in their respiratory systems.

The statement came during a ceremony marking the end of the first phase of a project meant to evaluate the psychological conditions of children in the Gaza Strip. The project is conducted with the cooperation of a humanitarian society in Italy.

The study revealed that the sharp increase of unemployment in the Gaza Strip led to an increase in the number of children who had to do different types of work in order to help their families.

It also stated that the ongoing Israeli invasions, bombardment and attacks, especially in border areas, has a direct impact on the health and psychological conditions of Gazan children.

Adnan al-Waheedy, head of the PMRS, stated that this project is meant to prevent and stop the deterioration of health and psychological conditions of the children in Gaza living in poverty, under the ongoing Israeli siege and repeated attacks by the Israeli military.

Al-Waheedy added that this project helped nearly 4,000 children and 6,000 families, as the children were given vitamins, iron and other medications needed to treat malnutrition and anaemia.

gaza strip | human rights | news report saed at imemc dot org