Unhealthy communities and war: Clinical case studies from gaza

Gaza has a population of 1.6 million living within 130 square miles and has the sixth highest population density in the world. The border closures and siege in Gaza have exacerbated problems with over population and lack of access to necessary resources to sustain a health community. Environmental health conditions in Gaza are reaching a critical level of toxicity unfit for healthy habitation. Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) medical delegates through sponsorship by Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) have made three trips to Gaza in the past two years. The purpose of the international partnership project between WPSR and GCMHP is to provide medical consultation to address human and environmental heath conditions due to border closure and siege in Gaza. Individual clinical case studies addressing health consequences of environmental hazards in Gaza have been monitored through subsequent medical delegate trips to the region and will be highlighted in this presentation. Selected clinical case studies will be presented in collaboration with our international medical colleagues in the following: 1) increased incidence of ambiguous genitalia due to complex interaction of limited mobility of the population, acceptance of first cousin marriages, and aggravated by limited ability of health care providers to assist these affected children and families; 2) grief & psychic trauma in children and families; 3) Lead toxicity due to use of leaded gasoline, daily generator use during scheduled electrical cuts, battery recycling & air pollution; and 4) Chronic malnutrition.