In a deeply distressing development, more than a dozen children suffering from cancer and other severe blood disorders have been evacuated from the war-stricken Gaza Strip. This critical operation involved intricate negotiations among the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Hamas. According to three doctors who participated in the evacuation, over 30 children still need medical care in Gaza despite these efforts.
Al-Rantisi Hospital Under Fire: Last Pediatric Facility in Gaza Closes Amidst Attacks
The children, some accompanied by parents or guardians, were moved from Al-Rantisi Specialized Hospital for Children to medical facilities in Egypt and Jordan. This mission was coordinated by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the World Health Organization.
This evacuation occurs amid escalating tensions, with hospitals in northern Gaza, including Al-Shifa, the largest in the region, coming under fire. The exact origin of these munitions remains unclear.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 11,000 people, including approximately 4,500 children, have lost their lives in Gaza since the conflict escalated following Hamas's attacks. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
In a particularly harrowing episode, Al-Rantisi Hospital, the last pediatric facility in northern Gaza, was forced to shut down following multiple alerts from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF had dropped leaflets urging evacuation, citing Hamas terror activities within the hospital premises, though evidence for these claims was not provided.
Dr. Mustafa Al-Kahlot, the director of Al-Rantisi, reported that at least one child was killed due to strikes, with many more trapped and unable to escape the bombardments. Tanks near the hospital were sighted, intensifying the fear and urgency among those seeking refuge.
The World Health Organization and St. Jude's Hospital had already initiated a covert operation to rescue these children. This effort led to the safe transfer of some children to Egypt, as confirmed on Friday.
The evacuation was not without its challenges. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, an international nonprofit, had been alerted about imminent violence in the area and the need for evacuation. However, the emergency department resisted testing pregnant women for syphilis, citing the immediate medical needs of incoming patients.
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Disparities in Healthcare: Racial Inequities in Congenital Syphilis Cases
David Harvey, the executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, expressed shock at the 32% rise in congenital syphilis cases within a year. This increase signifies a breakdown in the United States' maternal, child health, and STI public health systems.
Efforts to stem this crisis faced significant setbacks, including budget cuts affecting disease intervention specialists crucial for contact tracing and treatment engagement for infectious diseases. Additionally, there's a shortage of Bicillin, the only drug approved for treating syphilis in pregnancy, expected to last until mid-2024.
The report by the CDC highlights missed opportunities for testing or treatment of infected mothers, leading to a staggering number of cases where the disease was passed on to newborns. This situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, including those with substance use disorders, lower income, less education, or incarceration.
This crisis is set against a backdrop of deep racial disparities. Babies born to black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native mothers are disproportionately affected, being eight times more likely to have congenital syphilis than babies born to white mothers.
The CDC is now advocating for broader syphilis screening and immediate treatment upon a positive rapid screening test. States like New Mexico have implemented public health orders requiring tripartite testing of expectant mothers during pregnancy.
This unfolding crisis in Gaza and the rising congenital syphilis cases in the United States underscore the need for concerted efforts and international cooperation to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, especially children.
