Maltese Scientist Gets Paper On Health Crisis In Gaza Published In The Lancet
Maltese infectious disease epidemiologist Laura Paris has had her report on the health crisis in Gaza published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most prestigious academic journals.
Paris is the lead author of the analysis, she wrote it alongside her colleagues at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). It was penned after spending months in the Middle East in 2024 working as an infectious disease epidemiologist to support the humanitarian response in Gaza.
“Despite heroic efforts by health responders, the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and blockade of humanitarian access has resulted in catastrophic public health conditions,” Paris said.
The report lays bare the devastating health consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, documenting unprecedented mortality, infectious disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and mental health deterioration.
The data are staggering: over 52,000 people have been killed, with over 119,000 injured as of 14th May 2025. Independent analysis suggests these figures may be underreported by as much as 41%. Over 90% of Gaza’s population – 1.9 million people – have been displaced, many multiple times, under extreme violence.
Health infrastructure is near collapse. Of 36 hospitals, only 22 are partially functioning. With water and sanitation systems destroyed, communicable diseases have surged – cases of acute watery diarrhoea rose 36-fold, bloody diarrhoea 24-fold, and acute jaundice syndrome (linked to hepatitis A) a staggering 384-fold compared to pre-conflict levels.
Among the most vulnerable are children: 65% of diarrhoea cases affect those under five, and nearly 7% of children screened were diagnosed with global acute malnutrition. Pregnant women, too, face dire risks, with 84 maternal deaths reported since February 2024 – most due to war-related trauma.
Mental health needs have skyrocketed. Over 730,000 individuals, including 520,000 children, have accessed psychosocial support services, with antidepressant and antipsychotic medication usage sharply increasing.
The authors reiterate urgent calls for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and full adherence to international law to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
The correspondence is a sobering call to the international community to act decisively to prevent further preventable loss of life and suffering.
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