Saudi, US defense ministers discuss over phone efforts to strengthen security cooperation    Hosting US-Ukraine talks reflects Saudi Arabia's balanced relations, Cabinet affirms    Al Hilal crushes Pakhtakor to storm into AFC Champions League quarter-finals    Mahrez magic sends Al Ahli into AFC Champions League quarter-finals    Al Taawoun edges Tractor in penalty thriller to reach AFC Champions League Two semi-finals    Al-Jadaan and his US counterpart discuss ways to enhance financial and economic cooperation    Saudi Aramco CEO calls for a new global energy model at CERAWeek 2025    Air India confirms plane returned after plastic bags and rags clog toilets    Dozens brought ashore after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North Sea    Moscow hit by largest drone attack in three years, officials say    Saudi Crown Prince and Zelenskyy hold talks on resolving Russia-Ukraine crisis    Unfurling rich legacy and national pride, Saudi Arabia is celebrating Flag Day on Tuesday, March 11    Saudi Arabia welcomes agreement for integration in Syria    Duran and Ronaldo shine as Al Nassr cruise past Esteghlal into AFC Champions League quarter-finals    Singer Wheesung who wooed Korea with his ballads, found dead at 43    PIF launches Al Waha — the first Saudi-owned duty-free retail operator    Liquidity in Saudi economy records annual growth of SR236 billion in 2024    Prince Frederik of Luxembourg dies from rare disease    Real-life shipwreck story wins major book award    Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with 'Biennale Nights' in Jeddah    King Salman prays for peace and stability for Palestinians in Ramadan message King reaffirms Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims    Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan 'out of danger' after attack at home in Mumbai    Order vs. Morality: Lessons from New York's 1977 Blackout    India puts blockbuster Pakistani film on hold    Exotic Taif Roses Simulation Performed at Taif Rose Festival    Asian shares mixed Tuesday    Weather Forecast for Tuesday    Saudi Tourism Authority Participates in Arabian Travel Market Exhibition in Dubai    Minister of Industry Announces 50 Investment Opportunities Worth over SAR 96 Billion in Machinery, Equipment Sector    HRH Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Crown Prince of Kuwait on Death of Sheikh Fawaz Salman Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Malek Al-Sabah    HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Santiago Peña on Winning Presidential Election in Paraguay    SDAIA Launches 1st Phase of 'Elevate Program' to Train 1,000 Women on Data, AI    41 Saudi Citizens and 171 Others from Brotherly and Friendly Countries Arrive in Saudi Arabia from Sudan    Saudi Arabia Hosts 1st Meeting of Arab Authorities Controlling Medicines    General Directorate of Narcotics Control Foils Attempt to Smuggle over 5 Million Amphetamine Pills    NAVI Javelins Crowned as Champions of Women's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Competitions    Saudi Karate Team Wins Four Medals in World Youth League Championship    Third Edition of FIFA Forward Program Kicks off in Riyadh    Evacuated from Sudan, 187 Nationals from Several Countries Arrive in Jeddah    SPA Documents Thajjud Prayer at Prophet's Mosque in Madinah    SFDA Recommends to Test Blood Sugar at Home Two or Three Hours after Meals    SFDA Offers Various Recommendations for Safe Food Frying    SFDA Provides Five Tips for Using Home Blood Pressure Monitor    SFDA: Instant Soup Contains Large Amounts of Salt    Mawani: New shipping service to connect Jubail Commercial Port to 11 global ports    Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Delivers Speech to Pilgrims, Citizens, Residents and Muslims around the World    Sheikh Al-Issa in Arafah's Sermon: Allaah Blessed You by Making It Easy for You to Carry out This Obligation. Thus, Ensure Following the Guidance of Your Prophet    Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques addresses citizens and all Muslims on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



U.N.: Pregnant Women ‘Unseen Victims' of Gaza Conflict
Published in Saudi Press Agency on 15 - 01 - 2009

The head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Wednesday that the conflict in Gaza is causing pregnant women to give birth prematurely and is also impeding their access to maternal healthcare.
“Pregnant women and their newborn babies are some of the unseen victims of the current crisis in Gaza with some 170 women giving birth in Gaza each day. The UNFPA is alarmed at reports of premature labor and delivery resulting from shock and trauma from continuing bombing,” said UNFPA Executive Director Thora Ahmed Obaid in a statement.
The agency also noted that the well-being of newborns is threatened because of the current hostilities. “The UNFPA is also concerned by the exposure of premature and newborn infants to hypothermia due to the lack of electricity, warm clothing and blankets among the displaced.”
With hospitals overflowing because of the rising casualty rate—more than 4,500 people have been wounded so far, according to the U.N.—maternal health centers and delivery wards have been converted into emergency and surgery rooms, the UNFPA notes.
“Most pregnant women are unable to leave their homes or shelters to access maternity care facilities or delivery services. Even those who can make it to hospitals are unable to receive proper care as delivery wards are turned into survival facilities to treat the wounded” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund released a statement on Tuesday expressing its concern on the effects the Israeli offensive is having on children.
“Each day more children are being hurt, their small bodies wounded, their young lives shattered. These are not just cold figures. They talk of children's lives interrupted. No human being can watch this without being moved. No parent can witness this and not see their own child. This is tragic. This is unacceptable,” the statement said.
“Only when there is a cessation of hostilities can children begin the long journey back to a semblance of what is the most fundamental right of a child, the right to a life free from physical and mental violence,” the statement added.


Clic here to read the story from its source.