Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Infectious diseases continue to pose a major threat to global public health, affecting more than 80% of the world’s population. In conflict-affected settings, the breakdown of health systems and essential infrastructure significantly exacerbates disease transmission. In the Gaza Strip, ongoing conflict, infrastructure collapse, and population displacement have led to a sharp rise in infectious and vector-borne diseases. Inadequate treatment, disrupted vaccination programs, and the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further heighten the risk, posing serious concerns for regional and global health security. Objectives: This review aims to assess the prevalence of infectious and communicable diseases in the war-inflicted Gaza Strip, evaluate the extent of antimicrobial resistance in the region, and highlight the critical role of the international community in mitigating and addressing the ongoing health crisis. Study Design: Narrative review. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies that provide empirical evidence and relevant insights into the prevalence, patterns, and burden of infectious and communicable diseases in the conflict-affected Gaza Strip. Results: The findings indicate a rapidly escalating burden of infectious diseases driven by severe infrastructure damage, widespread malnutrition, overcrowded refugee shelters, disrupted immunization services, poor sanitation, and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: The health crisis in Gaza requires immediate and coordinated international intervention. Establishing humanitarian corridors is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to medical care, facilitate life-saving patient referrals, and enable the delivery of critical humanitarian aid. Prompt action is necessary to control environmental and public health impacts and to prevent further deterioration of health outcomes with potential global repercussions.
DOI: 10.69591/jcihs.3.1.5
Language: English
Topic: Health and Conflict Studies
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7123852971