Gaza reports surge in chickenpox cases amid worsening health conditions

Thursday 23 July 2026 - 17:15

By: Azzat Manal

Gaza reports surge in chickenpox cases amid worsening health conditions

Health authorities in the Gaza Strip have reported a sharp increase in chickenpox cases, raising concerns about the spread of infectious diseases amid deteriorating health and living conditions.

Zaher Al-Wahidi, head of the Health Information Unit at Gaza's Ministry of Health, said that more than 53,000 chickenpox cases had been recorded since the beginning of the year. He described the increase as a serious warning sign, particularly in overcrowded displacement camps where limited access to healthcare and difficult living conditions can accelerate the transmission of infectious diseases.

According to health officials, the situation is being aggravated by the challenging conditions in areas hosting displaced people. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and limited access to essential medical services are making disease prevention and containment increasingly difficult.

Bassem Zaqout, director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, previously warned that Gaza's healthcare situation had deteriorated significantly. He reported that thousands of new chickenpox cases were being recorded each week and said that cases of tuberculosis had also emerged.

The collapse of much of the healthcare infrastructure has further complicated efforts to monitor and control infectious diseases. Local health organizations have been attempting to organize catch-up vaccination campaigns, but logistical and security challenges have made these efforts difficult.

Health workers have also called for greater international support, including improved access to vaccines, medicines, fuel and other essential medical supplies. They have urged international organizations and the World Health Organization to help facilitate the delivery of urgently needed healthcare assistance.

The reported rise in infectious diseases highlights the broader public health challenges facing Gaza, where damaged healthcare facilities, displacement and limited access to basic services have increased the vulnerability of the population.

Health authorities and humanitarian organizations continue to warn that without improved access to medical supplies and stronger disease-control measures, the spread of preventable infectious diseases could place additional pressure on an already severely strained healthcare system.