The conflict in Gaza has left a trail of destruction, with a staggering number of casualties. While the immediate consequences of the war, such as bombings and hunger, are well-documented, a new report in The Lancet reveals another major threat: the spread of common diseases that are proving fatal. The Lancet report discusses the increasing prevalence of infections resistant to antibiotics. This leads to longer illnesses, more severe conditions, and a higher chance of death. The research, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, points to a major outbreak of multi-drug-resistant bacteria that began in Gaza in October 2023. This means the bacteria are immune to the effects of numerous medications, complicating medical treatment. The study collected over 1,300 samples from Al-Ahli Hospital, mostly from patients wounded by attacks. Many of these samples showed resistance to several drugs. The WHO has emphasized the need to replenish medical supplies to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. With hospitals operating above capacity and many facilities unable to function, the study highlights that the crisis of drug-resistant diseases will escalate if the war continues and hospitals are attacked.
