A recent analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that at least 22,500 people injured in Gaza by July 23, 2024, have sustained life-altering injuries, necessitating long-term rehabilitation services. The report, Estimating Trauma Rehabilitation Needs in Gaza Using Injury Data from Emergency Medical Teams, sheds light on the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and highlights the dire rehabilitation needs facing the region.

The analysis identifies severe limb injuries as the leading cause of the surge in rehabilitation requirements. Between 13,455 and 17,550 cases of such injuries have been recorded, with a significant number of victims suffering from multiple injuries. The report also estimates that 3,105 to 4,050 limb amputations have occurred as a result of the conflict. Additionally, a dramatic rise in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burn injuries has further contributed to the growing number of life-altering injuries, affecting thousands of women and children.

"The massive increase in rehabilitation needs coincides with the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system," said Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory. "Patients are unable to receive the care they desperately need. Acute rehabilitation services have been severely disrupted, and specialized treatment for complex injuries is unavailable, putting patients' lives at risk. Immediate and long-term support is urgently required."

Currently, only 17 out of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functional. Primary healthcare services have been frequently suspended due to ongoing violence, insecurity, and evacuation orders. Gaza’s sole limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center, located at Nasser Medical Complex and supported by WHO, ceased functioning in December 2023 due to a lack of supplies and the displacement of specialized health workers seeking safety. The center was later damaged during a raid in February 2024. Tragically, much of Gaza's rehabilitation workforce has been displaced, with reports indicating that 39 physiotherapists have been killed as of May 10, 2024.

The situation has also led to a severe shortage of essential medical supplies. In-patient rehabilitation and prosthetic services are no longer available, and the number of people needing assistive devices far exceeds the supply. Wheelchairs, crutches, and other essential products have run out, with aid flow severely restricted.

The analysis is based solely on injuries sustained since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, but WHO notes that tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza were already living with pre-existing conditions, further straining the crippled healthcare system.

The WHO plans to use these estimates to coordinate a surge in rehabilitation services and contribute to long-term health planning in Gaza. In the meantime, WHO continues to call for a ceasefire, emphasizing that rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is essential to address the growing needs and prevent further loss of life.

"Access to essential healthcare, including rehabilitation services, is crucial in preventing illness and death amidst the ongoing conflict," WHO stated, urging immediate international support for the region's fragile health system.