1,000 Women, Children to be Evacuated from Gaza to Europe for Medical Care Amid Conflict
Up to 1,000 women and children in dire need of medical attention are set to be evacuated from war-torn Gaza to Europe, according to the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) European branch, Hans Kluge.
In an interview published on Monday, Kluge revealed that Israel, which has been besieging the Palestinian territory, has committed to facilitating 1,000 more medical evacuations within the next few months to the European Union.
The evacuations will be facilitated by the WHO and European countries involved. This development comes as UN investigators accused Israel of deliberately targeting health facilities in Gaza and killing and torturing medical personnel, which they described as "crimes against humanity."
This is not the first time the WHO has intervened in the crisis. Since the latest war broke out in October 2023, the WHO Europe has already facilitated 600 medical evacuations from Gaza to seven European countries.
Healthcare in Conflict Zones: A Global Concern
Kluge stressed the importance of dialogue in ensuring that healthcare needs are met, even in the midst of conflict. "This would never have happened if we did not keep the dialogue open," he said. He also emphasized the need to keep healthcare workers safe, citing the case of Ukraine, where 2,000 attacks have been registered on health centers since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Growing Concerns Ahead of Ukraine’s Third Winter of War
Kluge expressed concerns about the upcoming winter in Ukraine, saying that it will be "very, very tough." He noted that 80% of the civilian energy grid is damaged or destroyed, which will put a strain on hospitals and healthcare services.
Global Pandemic Treaty: A Priority
The WHO is pushing for a global pandemic treaty that will ensure that countries are better prepared for future pandemics. Kluge emphasized the importance of having a comprehensive strategy in place, saying that "even if we do our share, we’re never going to stop bugs entering our continent."
Prioritizing Healthcare Security
Ensuring the security of national healthcare systems is crucial, Kluge said. He cited the example of Europe, where 25 out of 53 countries have experienced a major health emergency event in the past five years.
Addressing Worrying Trends
Kluge also highlighted worrying trends in Europe, such as the growing mental health crisis among young people and the increasing inequalities between men and women. He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has left its mark on Europeans, with a 25% increase in anxiety and depression disorders.
Re-Election and Future Plans
Kluge has headed the WHO Europe since February 2020 and is expected to be re-elected at the end of October. He has expressed his commitment to addressing the ongoing healthcare challenges in Europe, including the eradication of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of vaccinations.