The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to take an unbearable toll, with severe implications for healthcare. Since the beginning of the war in October 2023, hundreds of aid workers have been killed and nearly all of the Gaza population (about 85% as of end of May 2024) has been displaced severally. Many of them live in makeshift, overcrowded, unsanitary, and insecure shelters and camps with insufficient food, water, healthcare, and other basic necessities.
The frequent attacks on healthcare have caused serious fatalities and grossly degraded the capacity of the health system to respond to healthcare needs in the territory. Only 16 of the 36 public hospitals and less than half of the primary healthcare facilities are operational, partially or minimally. One of the direct consequences of these is the outbreak of diseases such as diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, hepatitis A, etc. For example, there has been more than 23-fold increase, above the 2022 figures, in the monthly reported diarrheal cases among under-5 children, and, recently, polio virus was detected in wastewater samples.
The Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) is calling for submissions for an expedited special issue that will focus on the impact and implications of the war in Gaza for healthcare, as well as lessons and policy implications for the healthcare sector.
Types of manuscripts expected
Manuscripts can be developed and submitted as commentaries, original research articles, short research communication, review articles, and reports. We are particularly interested in system-focused articles that have implications for policymaking. Key areas of focus include, but not limited to:
Maternal, neonatal, child and reproductive health
Functionality of hospitals and healthcare centres in Gazafectious disease outbreaks and associated risks
Antimicrobial resistance as a result of atrocities
Complications resulting from non-availability of non-communicable disease services
Mental health, including psychosocial impact of the war
Epidemiologic trends and data
Assistive technology, including innovative limb and other forms of support
Impact of displaced populations on health services in neighbouring countries
Submission information
Interested authors should submit their manuscripts through the Editorial Manager at: https://www.editorialmanager.com/emhj/default.aspx
Manuscripts must comply with the “Information for authors” available at:
https://www.emro.who.int/emh-journal/authors/
Please indicate in your submission that the manuscript is for consideration for the special issue on health implications and health risks of the war in Gaza.
