Washington DC- The medical situation in Ghouta is deteriorating rapidly, as two more infants died this week from lack of medication and malnutrition. Maram, a one year old, died from lack of medication for renal failure. Another baby, Mutasam, also one, died from lack of medication and malnutrition. A total of five infants have died in the past few weeks either from malnutrition or inadequate access to medical care and medications.
Further complicating the situation, Al Ghouta was under a fierce bombardment this week, as there were reports of napalm being used in civilian areas, which is prohibited by international law. Yesterday, an ambulance was attacked while serving injured civilians.
On November 8, three medical facilities in Ghouta were attacked.
- Dar Ashifaa Hospital in Hamouriya was damaged but remains partially operating.
- A children’s nursery beside the hospital was hit and was completely destroyed.
- The Medical Office of Harasta was partially damaged.
- A private physiotherapy clinic in Sakba was completely destroyed.
As winter approaches, the situation in besieged Ghouta is getting worse by the day. Many are suffering from malnutrition. Another 560 patients are suffering from chronic diseases with little or no medications available to help them. Many medications that are available are expired, and supply routes that were used to restock medications/ supplies into Ghouta were destroyed.
There is a shortage in vaccines, especially for tuberculosis and the measles.
There are 32 patients not receiving adequate dialysis treatment and 156 patients are not receiving cancer treatment. Preventable deaths are on the rise due to a shortage of postoperative care.
Kathleen Rowan, CEO of UOSSM USA said, ” The situation in Ghouta is unimaginable, babies dying of hunger as the world turns a blind eye. We call on the international community to allow humanitarian organizations immediate access to this area before more lives are lost that could have been prevented.”
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