Gaza faces unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children

The Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children, many already weakened by famine and malnutrition.

The enclave's healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Palestinians have been enduring catastrophic humanitarian and environmental conditions for months.

Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza City has recently reported a sharp rise in the number of Palestinian children diagnosed with the deadly disease of meningitis. Pediatrician Ragheb Wersh Agha confirmed the dangerous spread of the disease, which is exacerbated by contagion among displaced children and a severe shortage of antibiotics.

"We've seen an increase in meningitis cases due to the destruction of infrastructure, the spread of sewage water, child malnutrition, and severe overcrowding in tents. All these conditions have contributed to the rise in meningitis," he said.

Hospitals lack even the most basic healthcare services. Beds are full, and doctors are working tirelessly to save what lives they can. Um Tamim Barakat, a displaced mother, watches over her five-year-old son at the hospital as he receives treatment after contracting the disease.

"The tent we live in is surrounded by sewage water. My son developed meningitis after a high fever led to seizures. Pharmacies here barely have medicine, not even suppositories, paracetamol, or antibiotics," said Barakat.

In displacement shelters and makeshift tents scattered across the streets, living conditions continue to deteriorate.Severe overcrowding and the absence of even the most basic hygiene measures have turned these places into fertile ground for disease. Displaced families are packed into tight spaces, and children lack any safe or healthy environment.

"Our kids play near sewage water, and we can't always keep an eye on them. We barely manage to secure flour and food for them. There’s absolutely no hygiene here. The tents are surrounded by filth and wastewater that flows inside, soaking our clothes," said Waleed Musleh, a displaced Palestinian.

According to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), nearly one million children in Gaza now face unprecedented health risks due to the collapse of the healthcare system and the complete absence of safe living conditions. As infectious diseases spread, fears are growing of a humanitarian disaster that could scar an entire generation.

Gaza faces unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children

Gaza faces unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children

Gaza faces unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children

Gaza faces unprecedented meningitis outbreak among children

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation