Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a serious warning about the alarming rise in child malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, reaching record levels during August. According to recent data, one in five children in Gaza City is severely malnourished, a situation exacerbated by the military offensive in the region and the humanitarian crisis it triggers.
Recent assessments indicate that the acute malnutrition rate throughout the Gaza Strip has risen to 13.5%, a significant increase from the 8.3% recorded in July. In Gaza City, the epicenter of the crisis, the percentage of malnourished children has climbed to 19%, compared to 16% from the previous month. It is estimated that approximately 12,800 children were identified as severely malnourished in August, though the actual number may be higher due to limitations in screening procedures.
The recent closure of ten outpatient treatment centers, due to evacuation orders and increased military activity, has further complicated the response to this crisis. In July, when screening resources were more robust, around 13,000 at-risk children were identified.
The situation is especially critical for those suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the most serious and life-threatening form of this condition. In August, 23% of the children receiving treatment exhibited this situation, nearly double the 12% recorded six months prior. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the urgent need to protect nutrition services, warning that “no child should suffer from malnutrition, which we can prevent and treat when we have safe access to aid.”
The escalation of the conflict has caused a collapse in essential services for child survival, severely affecting pregnant and lactating women. It is estimated that one in five babies is born prematurely or with low birth weight, jeopardizing the health of both mothers and newborns.
UNICEF has made an urgent call to increase food aid and improve its distribution, as well as to ensure access to nutritional supplies and other vital resources. The organization also urged all parties in conflict to restore the ceasefire and respect international humanitarian law.
In an equally grim context, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that at least 2,000 people have died in their desperate search for food assistance. Philippe Lazzarini explained that most victims fell near humanitarian aid distribution points, which are being operated by mercenaries, further exacerbating the critical situation in Gaza. Lazzarini emphasized that addressing the hunger crisis in the region requires ensuring uninterrupted and safe access for those in need, reiterating that the UN has the necessary resources to manage the crisis and that humanitarian efforts must be allowed.
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If you need anything else, feel free to ask!
via: MiMub in Spanish
