In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that infectious diseases may ultimately claim more lives than the offensive carried out by Israel. According to the WHO, rates of infectious diseases are rapidly increasing, with over 100,000 cases of diarrhea reported, particularly affecting children who are experiencing rates 25 times higher than before the war.

The war has severely damaged Gaza's already fragile healthcare system, including its disease surveillance capabilities. In response, global health groups and healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to identify and prevent outbreaks in this increasingly desperate situation.

"The rapid detection of disease emergence is crucial to prevent potential epidemics," emphasizes Rick Brennan, the Regional Emergency Director for the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Prior to the war, despite the Israeli blockade, Gaza's public health system functioned relatively well. With solid vaccination rates, access to dozens of hospitals, and effective disease surveillance, the system was able to detect and manage infectious diseases promptly.

However, since the October 7 Hamas attack, Gaza's healthcare infrastructure, along with its disease detection capabilities, has crumbled under Israel's bombardment and ground offensive. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals, including the tunnels beneath them, to store weapons and fighters, leaving these vital facilities at risk. According to the WHO, only a quarter of Gaza's hospitals are partially functional at present.

Dr. Tahrir Al-Sheikh, a pediatrician in Gaza, has witnessed the disintegration of the healthcare system firsthand. With the inability to perform bacterial cultures and without access to necessary equipment, the spread of infections is rampant.

Al-Sheikh recounts treating a 4-month-old infant who experienced 20 bowel movements in a single day, highlighting the severity of cases of diarrhea. Additionally, there has been a surge in respiratory illnesses, some of which have proven resistant to treatment.

The combination of overcrowding, lack of access to basic sanitation and hygiene supplies, compromised immune systems, and the harsh winter weather poses a significant threat to the health of people in Gaza. The total siege imposed by Israel makes it extremely challenging to secure clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition.

Amber Alayyan, deputy program manager for Doctors Without Borders in the Palestinian territories, describes the situation as an "infectious disaster in waiting." Without access to antibiotics and medical care, minor illnesses can quickly turn deadly.

Recognizing the urgency, global health groups are working to enhance disease surveillance efforts in Gaza before a widespread outbreak occurs. The WHO's Ayadil Saparbekov recently delivered rapid diagnostic tests for hepatitis and cholera to Gaza, focusing on timely detection and response to different infectious diseases.

Regular and sustained humanitarian aid is vital in preventing the spread of diseases. Organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stress the importance of providing hygiene supplies, vaccines, and chlorine tablets to help in disease prevention.

While efforts are being made to revive local laboratories in Gaza for pathogen screening, it will require significant time and resources. The WHO is also exploring the possibility of bringing a mobile laboratory from outside Gaza or sending specimens to neighboring countries like Egypt for testing.

Thus far, Gaza has been fortunate to avoid deadly outbreaks such as measles or cholera, thanks in part to pre-war vaccinations. However, the risk remains high, especially considering the dire conditions within overcrowded shelters. Disease surveillance becomes crucial in identifying the first few cases of any sinister disease, enabling prompt containment and control measures.

As Gaza grapples with the ongoing conflict, combatting infectious diseases has emerged as another urgent challenge. The international community continues to mobilize resources and support in the hopes of averting a devastating health crisis that could claim more lives than the conflict itself.