Amman, Apr. 24 (Petra)-- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that rebuilding and rehabilitating the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip will require investments estimated at $10 billion over the next five years.

Speaking during a press briefing in Geneva, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, Reinhelde Van de Weerdt, said the total health sector needs in Gaza include reconstruction, restoring medical services, and addressing growing healthcare demands, particularly for thousands of children and people affected by the conflict.

She noted that many patients are suffering from severe injuries, including paralysis caused by gunshot wounds, limb amputations, and extensive psychological trauma requiring urgent mental health care.

Van de Weerdt added that more than 1,800 health facilities ranging from major hospitals such as Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to primary healthcare centers, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories have been partially damaged or completely destroyed.

The UN official also highlighted the unacceptable living conditions faced by displaced people in shelters across Gaza.

"Rapid assessments covering more than 1,600 displacement sites found the presence of rodents and pests in most locations, affecting around 1.45 million people," she said.

She added that more than 80 percent of shelter sites reported widespread skin infections and rashes, including scabies, lice, and bedbug infestations, further worsening the humanitarian and health crisis in the territory.

//Petra// MF