Gaza s children a battle with diabetes without insulin or safety

Palestinian girl Ghina al-Dada is waging a daily battle against diabetes. Her struggle is no longer limited to controlling her blood sugar levels; it has extended to finding treatment amidst a shortage of insulin and medical supplies in the Gaza Strip. This shortage is exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies and the damage inflicted on the health system by the war.

From inside Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, her mother, Zainab al-Dada, recounted her daughter’s ordeal to Anadolu Agency. Ghina was diagnosed with diabetes about four years ago. Her account came on the sidelines of a solidarity rally for children with the disease, demanding access to treatment.

The mother explained that she constantly monitors her daughter’s blood sugar levels and tries to adhere to the required insulin doses, but her condition remains unstable. According to her, Ghina’s blood sugar sometimes reaches 500.

She explained that Ghina needs more than 24 insulin injections daily, noting that she has begun experiencing problems with her eyes, legs, and abdomen, in addition to a decline in her mobility, her ability to attend school, and her participation in playing with her peers.

Zainab reported that her daughter’s suffering is compounded by another illness requiring a gluten-free diet, the requirements of which are difficult to meet given the dire living conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Fearing her daughter’s deteriorating condition, Zainab appealed to international organizations to intervene and provide insulin and other necessary medications for children with diabetes, or to facilitate their access to treatment outside Gaza.

She warned with deep sorrow that “the continued shortage of medication threatens the health of sick children and exacerbates their families’ fears for their lives.”

Expired Insulin

Like Ghina, Palestinian child Zaid Abu Samra faces daily difficulties in obtaining the