The United Nations agency for children on Friday reported an increase in acute malnutrition rates among children in the northern Gaza Strip, with figures doubling within just one month.
According to findings published by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, “1 in 3 children under 2 years of age are today acutely malnourished in the north,” citing information gathered from nutrition screenings conducted by UNICEF and its partners.
At least 23 children have died from malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza in recent weeks, UNICEF added.
UNICEF’s screenings in February revealed that severe wasting, the most dangerous form of malnutrition, affects 4.5 percent of children in shelters and health centers, a condition that significantly increases the risk of death without immediate treatment.
The health ministry in Gaza reports that 13,450 Gazan children have been killed since October 7.
