Khaberni - The World Health Organization has estimated the costs of reconstructing the health sector in Gaza at over $7 billion.
The regional director for the organization in the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, said in a press conference today, Wednesday, that the reconstruction includes humanitarian response and early recovery, and long-term needs, pointing out that this investment is "necessary for the peace and stability that health can achieve".
She emphasized the importance of quickly transitioning after the cessation of fighting, from responding to the crisis to recovery because rebuilding the health system in Gaza will not only save lives today but will "restore dignity, stability, and hope for the future". She affirmed that the first step will be to restart the hospitals and at the same time address hunger and malnutrition.
She said: "We are already far behind when the Palestinian health authorities report the death of 455 people – including 151 children, most under the age of five – due to malnutrition since January", pointing out that the World Health Organization remained in Gaza and provided its services throughout the war, and was the main provider of medications and medical supplies, where it supported more than 22 million treatments and surgeries.
