September 14th, 2025 - The Devastating Effects of Malnutrition on Children’s Bodies

In Gaza, young children are facing an escalating health crisis due to severe malnutrition caused by the ongoing war. With restrictions on food and aid imposed by Israel, many children, especially those under five, have become particularly vulnerable. This summer, the region saw its highest levels of malnutrition since the conflict began, and Gaza City was officially declared to be under famine by food-security experts.

The effects of malnutrition on young children are devastating. Without enough food, children's bodies begin to break down their own fat reserves, followed by muscle, to survive. As their organs deteriorate, children become weak, lethargic, and increasingly susceptible to diseases that would normally be manageable. For those who survive, long-term health issues such as stunted growth, liver and kidney damage, and cognitive impairments are common.

While aid has slowly started to return to Gaza, it is far from sufficient. The United Nations reports that even with recent shipments of food, the region is still facing widespread shortages. Critical supplies like therapeutic milk and energy-dense foods, which are essential for treating acutely malnourished children, remain in short supply. Doctors, like pediatrician Sharif Matar at al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, are struggling to cope with these shortages, often rationing what little they have to treat the most severe cases.

The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure and resources in Gaza, where markets and farms have been destroyed in the ongoing conflict. As a result, children are being treated with whatever food and medical supplies can be found, and medical staff is overwhelmed by the rising numbers of malnourished children. In August, the U.N. reported that nearly 6,000 children had been found to be acutely malnourished, underscoring the urgent need for more aid.

Despite international calls for increased assistance, some of Gaza’s medical professionals have been forced to take emergency classes organized by the World Health Organization to learn how to treat the severe malnutrition they are now seeing in children. The health care system, already stretched thin, is being tested beyond its capacity. Meanwhile, Gaza’s doctors continue to work tirelessly with limited resources, attempting to save as many lives as possible despite the odds.

Though some children have recovered after receiving therapeutic milk and other treatments, the long-term effects of malnutrition may still leave lasting scars. Experts warn that those who survive this crisis face a future of health challenges, including a higher risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, with no immediate end in sight, and the children of Gaza are paying the highest price.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Perpetuity (noun, per-puh-TOO-uh-tee) - Perpetuity refers to a state of continuing forever or for a very long time.

Example: The property will be passed on from generation to generation in perpetuity.

Image credit: Unsplash