UN Says One in Five Amputees in Gaza Is a Child as Care Shortages Worsen

(MENAFN) The United Nations on Monday warned that children account for one in five amputees in the Gaza Strip, amid a worsening shortage of prosthetic specialists and limited access to essential medical materials.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a press briefing that serious health concerns persist in the territory, including skin diseases and other conditions linked to pests and rodents.

“On health, concerns remain over skin diseases and other medical issues linked to the presence of pests and rodents,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at a news conference, adding that more than 6,600 people need prosthetic and rehabilitation care.

He noted that many of those requiring treatment include individuals who have undergone amputations since October 2023, while only a very small number of trained specialists are currently available to assist them.

“...yet only eight prosthetic technicians are available to respond,” he said.

Dujarric warned that due to the severe lack of qualified personnel and restrictions on the entry of prosthetic materials, addressing current needs could take several years.

“With severe shortages of specialists and restricted entry of prosthetic materials, it could take five years or more to meet today's needs,” he said, stressing that “one in five amputees is a child.”

He also called for the urgent entry of international prosthetic experts and the unrestricted delivery of rehabilitation materials, which he said remain limited.

The remarks come amid ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza following years of blockade and renewed military escalation since October 2023, which has resulted in widespread casualties and destruction across the territory.

MENAFN05052026000045017640ID1111068862