Increase in Skin Diseases in Gaza Due to Lack of Basic Resources

May 5, 2026, 11:38
Middle EastHealth

Introduction

The United Nations has reported a significant rise in skin infections among displaced people in Gaza. This increase is caused by poor sanitary conditions and limited access to medical care.

Main Body

The spread of skin conditions, especially scabies and chickenpox, is linked to the extreme overcrowding in shelters and the presence of pests like rodents and lice. According to UNRWA data, infection rates in UN-managed sites tripled between January and March, with the number of affected people rising from 3,000 to 10,000. Furthermore, rising seasonal temperatures are making it easier for these diseases to spread in crowded areas. Medical teams are struggling to manage this crisis because of the ongoing blockade. Although a ceasefire has been in place since October 2025, there is still a severe shortage of essential medicines, insecticides, and cleaning supplies. Consequently, healthcare providers in areas such as Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah emphasize that they cannot provide proper disinfection or necessary treatments. Additionally, a lack of good nutrition and ventilation makes it harder for patients, especially children, to recover. This health crisis follows the intense conflict that began in October 2023, which displaced 1.5 million people. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 72,600 deaths and 172,000 injuries. Because the blockade continues to limit humanitarian aid, the public health system has failed, forcing many civilians to use homemade remedies instead of professional medicine.

Conclusion

The public health situation in Gaza remains critical, as skin infections continue to rise due to a lack of medical supplies and poor living conditions.

Learning

🌉 The 'Logic-Link' Leap

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences like "It is hot. The disease spreads." and start using Logical Connectors. These words act as bridges, showing the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

⚡️ The Power Players from the Text

Look at how the article connects cause and effect. Instead of just saying "because," it uses these sophisticated alternatives:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow (As a result)
    • Text Example: "...there is still a severe shortage... Consequently, healthcare providers... emphasize that they cannot provide proper disinfection."
  • Furthermore →\rightarrow (Adding more information to strengthen an argument)
    • Text Example: "...infection rates... tripled... Furthermore, rising seasonal temperatures are making it easier..."
  • Due to →\rightarrow (The reason for something)
    • Text Example: "...skin infections continue to rise due to a lack of medical supplies."

🛠 Practical Application: The B2 Upgrade

A2 Level (Simple)B2 Level (Sophisticated)
There are no medicines. So, people are sick.There is a severe shortage of medicines; consequently, the health crisis is worsening.
It is crowded. Also, it is hot.The shelters are overcrowded; furthermore, rising temperatures accelerate the spread of disease.
People are sick because they have no soap.Skin infections are rising due to a lack of basic cleaning supplies.

Coach's Tip: If you want to sound more professional, place 'Consequently' or 'Furthermore' at the start of a sentence followed by a comma. This creates a rhythmic pause that is typical of B2-level academic writing.

Vocabulary Learning

significant (adj.)
Very large or important.
Example:The study found a significant increase in disease rates.
displaced (adj.)
Forced to leave one's home.
Example:Many displaced families have no access to clean water.
sanitary (adj.)
Clean and suitable for health.
Example:The shelters lacked sanitary facilities.
limited (adj.)
Restricted in amount or scope.
Example:The supply of medicine was limited.
extreme (adj.)
Very great or intense.
Example:The extreme heat made conditions worse.
overcrowding (n.)
Too many people in a small space.
Example:Overcrowding in the camps spreads infections.
pests (n.)
Unwanted insects or animals.
Example:Pests like rodents can carry disease.
tripled (v.)
Increased three times.
Example:The infection rates tripled in March.
crisis (n.)
A serious situation.
Example:The health crisis is worsening.
blockade (n.)
A restriction that stops movement.
Example:The blockade limits medical supplies.
severe (adj.)
Very bad or serious.
Example:There is a severe shortage of medicines.
shortage (n.)
A lack of something needed.
Example:The shortage of disinfectants is dangerous.
essential (adj.)
Absolutely necessary.
Example:Essential medicines are scarce.
insecticides (n.)
Chemicals that kill insects.
Example:Insecticides help control lice.
disinfection (n.)
The process of cleaning to remove germs.
Example:Proper disinfection reduces infection risk.
necessary (adj.)
Required or needed.
Example:Necessary treatments are unavailable.
nutrition (n.)
Food that keeps you healthy.
Example:Good nutrition helps patients recover.
ventilation (n.)
The flow of fresh air.
Example:Improved ventilation reduces disease spread.
intense (adj.)
Very strong or powerful.
Example:The intense conflict caused many casualties.
humanitarian (adj.)
Relating to helping people in need.
Example:Humanitarian aid is essential.
failed (adj.)
Not succeeded.
Example:The public health system failed.
remedies (n.)
Solutions or treatments.
Example:Some use homemade remedies.
professional (adj.)
Relating to experts or skilled workers.
Example:Professional medicine is unavailable.