Challenges in access to safe drinking water and its impact on maternal and child health in Gaza

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is a critical public health issue, particularly in war-affected regions like Gaza, where political instability, infrastructure destruction, and economic blockade have led to a severe water crisis. This paper explores the challenges faced by the population of Gaza in accessing clean water and examines the impact of water scarcity on maternal and child health. The contamination of Gaza’s primary water source, the coastal aquifer, combined with inadequate sanitation infrastructure, has resulted in widespread waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which disproportionately affect pregnant women and children. For pregnant women, water insecurity increases the risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and infection, contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes such as preterm labor and low birth weight. Children are similarly vulnerable, with unsafe water consumption leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal diseases and malnutrition. This paper also highlights the psychosocial impacts of water insecurity on maternal and child mental health. Despite international humanitarian efforts, sustainable solutions remain elusive due to political and logistical barriers. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that address both the short-term water needs and long-term infrastructure challenges in Gaza to improve maternal and child health outcomes.