Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 11, 2025 Humanitarian aid
Child malnutrition in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate rapidly, with UNICEF-verified data for August showing record levels of acute malnutrition among children surveyed.
The proportion of children showing signs of acute malnutrition reached 13.5 percent in August, up from 8.3 percent in July, the study found. In Gaza City, where famine was officially confirmed last month, the hospitalization rate for children with malnutrition reached 19 percent, up from 16 percent in July.
In August, 12,800 children were diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the sector. However, the total number screened fell due to the closure of ten outpatient centres due to evacuation orders and increased fighting. In July, with greater screening capacity and less military activity, 13,000 cases were identified.
The proportion of children hospitalized with severe acute malnutrition, the most dangerous form, has risen sharply: it was 23 percent in August, up from 12 percent six months earlier.
Closure of food centers
“One in five children in Gaza was diagnosed with acute malnutrition in August, and every one of them needed the support UNICEF provides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “While we have been able to deliver more humanitarian aid, the military escalation has led to the closure of a number of feeding centres, leaving children even more vulnerable. No child should suffer from malnutrition.”
With limited or no access to shelter and basic services, ongoing fighting is causing massive civilian casualties and the near-total destruction of vital systems that children need to survive, UNICEF warns.
In addition to young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women are particularly affected. With nutrition services cut and no sustainable support, the risks to mothers and babies are extremely high. Already, one in five babies in Gaza is born prematurely or underweight.
Expanding supplies
UNICEF is working to scale up the supply of life-saving food and distribute it with partners to around 140 sites across the sector. Stocks of ready-to-use therapeutic foods have increased and should cover the treatment of acute malnutrition until the end of the year. However, other critical food supplies for infants and pregnant and lactating women are in short supply.
Following the partial resumption of commercial supplies to Gaza, the range of products available in markets has expanded and prices have begun to fall. However, many items remain unavailable or too expensive for the most vulnerable families.
UNICEF stresses the urgent need to increase food aid to Gaza, improve its delivery and accessibility, and ensure supplies of food, fuel, gas, shelter and inputs for food production. It is vital to rebuild the health system, maintain primary health care and ensure a stable supply of medical supplies. It is also essential to restore commercial flows, market mechanisms and local food production to avoid the worst effects of famine.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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