WHO report: A quarter of Gazas war injured require long-term rehabilitation

The analysis focuses on injuries sustained since October last year, yet the WHO notes that tens of thousands of Palestinians already lived with chronic conditions and pre-existing disabilities before the war, exacerbating their plight due to the lack of appropriate services.
The report also points to a sharp increase in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns, contributing to the growing number of life-changing injuries, which affect thousands of women and children.
The WHO stressed that the sole limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center in Gaza, located at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, became non-operational in December due to a shortage of supplies and the departure of specialized healthcare workers seeking safety.
The organization expressed concern over the displacement of much of Gaza's rehabilitation workforce, with reports indicating that 39 physiotherapists had been killed by May 10.
Rehabilitation services for inpatients and prosthetics are no longer available, and the demand for assistive products far exceeds the available equipment in Gaza, according to the report.
The WHO underscored the urgent need to ensure access to all essential health services, including rehabilitation, to prevent further illness and death amid the ongoing conflict.
The organization called for a ceasefire, describing it as "crucial for rebuilding the health system to address the escalating needs."

WHO report: A quarter of Gaza's war injured require long-term rehabilitation