GAZA, August 30, 2025 (WAFA) – ActionAid International has warned on Saturday of rising malnutrition rates among pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip, confirming that 70 to 75% of the 300 women who visit Al Awda Hospital daily, the organization's partner, suffer from a lack of food and essential pregnancy supplements.
The organization cited testimonies from doctors and pregnant women about pregnancy complications resulting from hunger and a lack of medical supplies, a week after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed a famine in Gaza City.
Dr. Yasser, a physician at Al Awda Hospital, said, "Women are suffering from malnutrition, which is reflected in their low weight, low birth weight, decreased fetal movement, and deteriorating maternal and fetal health." There is anemia, calcium deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency, all negatively affecting mothers and unborn children."
Doctors have warned that the lack of calories and nutrients endangers the lives of both mothers and fetuses, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.
Dr. Mohammed Salha, Acting Director of Al-Awda Hospital, said, "The situation in Gaza is extremely difficult. More than 60,000 women have been affected by food shortages, and many of them are facing malnutrition. Although the nutrition department distributes supplements, the need exceeds our capacity."
Some women spoke about their immediate suffering. Nevin, who is two months pregnant, said, "There is no food or medical supplies, and I have had two miscarriages due to the lack of vitamins and medical care." Duaa, a mother about to give birth, said, "I feel dizzy and trembling from hunger, and there are no treatments or medications."
ActionAid called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to the blockade on humanitarian aid to allow the entry of food, medical supplies, and fuel.
It further stressed that the humanitarian cost of the blockade is extremely high, with cases of pregnancy complications resulting from lack of food and medical care being recorded daily.
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