The Palestinian Federation of Women’s Action Committees PFWAC held a series of critical health education seminars titled, “The Lack of Hygiene and Spread of Diseases in Displaced communities living in Tents,” in the Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza. These seminars, led by Amna Al-Dabash from the Rafah branch of the Union and health educator Iman Shamiya, aimed to address the pressing health challenges faced by Palestinian displaced women.
This initiative is part of an ongoing two-week campaign focused on raising health awareness among displaced women, equipping them with the essential knowledge to safeguard their families’ well-being in the midst of dire living conditions. In opening the second session of the seminar, Al-Dabash welcomed the resilient participants, emphasizing the urgent need for health education amidst the crisis. She highlighted the severe risks posed by overcrowding, waste accumulation, and the absence of sanitation, which exacerbate the threat of infectious diseases and epidemics, putting the lives of displaced women and their children at significant risk.
Health educator Iman Shamiya elaborated on the critical role of hygiene in preventing disease transmission but underscored the challenges posed by overcrowded camps, lack of basic sanitation, scarce clean water, and inadequate waste management. These conditions, coupled with limited access to medical supplies, have led to the spread of diseases among displaced mothers and children. Shamiya emphasized that neglecting personal and environmental hygiene has resulted in outbreaks of waterborne illnesses such as hepatitis and cholera, along with skin and respiratory infections. She attributed this alarming rise in disease to the inhumane living conditions imposed by the ongoing Israeli occupation and military aggression in Gaza.
Shamiya further warned of an impending health catastrophe, citing the scarcity of water, unaffordable hygiene supplies, and overall poor sanitation in the camps. She stressed that many displaced women are left vulnerable to pollution-related diseases, unable to protect themselves and their families due to the severe lack of resources.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion, where participants actively engaged with questions and expressed gratitude to PFWAC for their efforts in raising health awareness during this humanitarian crisis.