UN, partners step up efforts to reduce health risks in Gaza

UN humanitarians and partners are stepping up efforts to help Gazans reduce major public health risks, including rodent infestation, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday.



Widespread rodent and ectoparasite infestations were reported in 83 percent of displacement sites assessed earlier this month, alongside sewage in streets, stagnant water and poor sanitation conditions, said OCHA.



In response, humanitarian partners are scaling up rodent control this week. The UN Development Programme and other partners are distributing nine metric tonnes of rodenticides daily, brought into Gaza by the United Arab Emirates, said the office.