There Are Over 100,000 Cases of Hepatitis B in Gaza, Report Says
There Are Over 100,000 Cases of Hepatitis B in Gaza, Report Says Truthout
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Major Increase in Cases of Hepatitis B in Gaza
Introduction
As humanitarian groups warn that multiple epidemics are likely ongoing in Gaza, one report has revealed that there has been a major uptick of cases of viral hepatitis B, which infects the liver, as sanitary conditions continue to deteriorate and Israel’s genocide rages on.
Increasing Cases of Hepatitis B
The Palestinian Authority health minister Maged Abu-Ramadan reports that over 100,000 cases of viral hepatitis B have been recorded in Gaza, according to Haaretz. This represents an increase of over 1,100 times compared to the 85 recorded cases in the previous year.
Causes of the Epidemic
This potential epidemic, along with the spread of many other diseases across Gaza, is caused by Israel’s unceasing bombings, humanitarian blockade, and destruction of crucial sanitary and health infrastructure. The collapse of the solid waste management system in Gaza has resulted in vast exposure to disease-causing trash and waste.
Impact of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is commonly spread from a parent to a child at birth and through injection with contaminated needles. Chronic hepatitis B is the world’s leading cause of liver cancer, and the majority of babies and children who contract it have lifelong infections.
Unsanitary Conditions in Gaza
The reported uptick in cases of hepatitis B could be an indication of the extent of the unsanitary conditions in Gaza. Humanitarian groups have previously warned of the spread of hepatitis B due to Israel’s blockade on menstrual hygiene supplies, leading to desperate measures such as washing and reusing pads or using makeshift alternatives.
Other Diseases Spreading in Gaza
Officials have been raising alarm about other diseases spreading through the Gaza Strip. The Gaza health ministry declared a polio epidemic in the Strip, and cases of Hepatitis A have also been on the rise.
Conclusion
The deteriorating sanitary conditions in Gaza, caused by Israel’s actions, have led to a major increase in cases of hepatitis B and the spread of other diseases. Urgent action is needed to address these issues and ensure the well-being of the population.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issues highlighted in the article are related to the health and well-being of the population in Gaza, as well as the lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities. These issues are connected to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the collapse of the solid waste management system and the spread of diseases are also linked to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The deteriorating sanitary conditions and destruction of infrastructure in Gaza are also relevant to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are related to combatting hepatitis and other communicable diseases (Target 3.3), achieving access to adequate sanitation and hygiene (Target 6.2), and improving waste management (Target 11.6).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
- Number of recorded cases of viral hepatitis B in Gaza
- Number of cases of chronic hepatitis B
- Number of cases of hepatitis A
- Number of cases of polio
- Number of cases of liver cancer
- Number of cases of diseases related to unsanitary conditions
- Availability and functionality of solid waste management system
- Access to clean water and sanitation facilities
These indicators can be used to measure the progress towards the identified targets by tracking the number of cases of diseases, monitoring the availability and functionality of sanitation facilities and waste management systems, and assessing the access to clean water and sanitation.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | – Number of recorded cases of viral hepatitis B in Gaza – Number of cases of chronic hepatitis B – Number of cases of liver cancer |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations. | – Number of cases of hepatitis A – Availability and functionality of solid waste management system – Access to clean water and sanitation facilities |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Number of cases of diseases related to unsanitary conditions – Availability and functionality of solid waste management system |
Source: truthout.org
