Severe Malnutrition Affects Nearly Half of Mothers in Gaza: MAP Report

A recent report by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) reveals a dire health crisis in Gaza, where nearly 44% of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers screened by local partners are suffering from severe malnutrition. This alarming statistic marks a significant increase from May 2025, when 35% of mothers faced similar conditions. The report, published on July 28, 2025, highlights the urgent need for medical treatment and nutritional support in a region grappling with widespread humanitarian challenges.

The data was compiled by Ard El Insan (AEI), a humanitarian organization that has been instrumental in providing nutrition and medical assistance to Palestinians across Gaza. According to Mohammed Alkhatib, MAP’s Deputy Director of Programmes in southern Gaza, the situation is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and military actions in the region. Alkhatib stated, “We are extremely concerned about the ongoing humanitarian situation. So far, no therapeutic supplements for malnutrition cases have been allowed in.” This blockade has led to a rise in malnutrition-related deaths, affecting both children and the elderly.

The health crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, particularly for infants, who are facing a severe shortage of baby formula. The lack of suitable alternatives poses a significant risk to their health. Additionally, individuals with disabilities are reported to be without access to specialized nutritional support. Hospitals are overwhelmed, unable to cope with the increasing number of malnourished patients due to the systematic destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure.

The consequences of malnutrition are far-reaching, with long-term effects including stunted growth, impaired development, and irreversible cognitive delays in children. Mohammed Almadhoun, a Community Health Worker with MAP, recounted his experience with two siblings, aged 11 and 14, who exhibited clear signs of severe malnutrition. Almadhoun indicated that families are struggling to provide adequate nutrition, often surviving on minimal food such as dry bread and tea.

Despite the immense challenges posed by the Israeli military’s displacement orders and the ongoing blockade, MAP continues to operate in Gaza, albeit with increasing difficulty and danger. The organization has been striving to maintain eight other nutrition medical points across southern Gaza. However, the scale of the crisis far surpasses available resources, with MAP struggling to meet the urgent needs of the population.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports a staggering toll of at least 147 starvation-related deaths this year alone, including 88 children. The ongoing siege has prevented vital humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, from entering Gaza, intensifying the crisis. Dr. Khalid Shawa, a General Surgeon at a Field Hospital in Gaza City, shared the exhaustion faced by medical teams, stating, “We don’t have the calories to keep going; there’s nothing to drink, and no chance to rest, not even between the surgeries that stretch late into the night.”

The international community, including leaders from the UK, is urged to take action in response to this humanitarian disaster. The evidence of human rights violations and the dire conditions faced by the Palestinian population cannot be overlooked. The ongoing siege and military assaults have not only destroyed the health system but also threaten the survival of two million people in Gaza.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, urgent intervention and humanitarian assistance are paramount to prevent further loss of life and to address the growing malnutrition crisis. Without immediate action, the implications of this health emergency will resonate for generations to come, threatening the very fabric of Palestinian society.