Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita anywhere in the world, said Louise Wateridge, a senior emergency officer with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
Speaking to reporters in Geneva from Central Gaza on Friday, Wateridge described the dire situation in Gaza hospitals.
"Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita anywhere in the world. Many are losing their limbs. And in scenarios such as this, they're undergoing surgeries without anaesthesia. I spoke to doctors at the Nasser Hospital. This is the largest, semi-functioning, hospital in the Gaza Strip now. And they're absolutely beside themselves," Wateridge said.
According to UNRWA, nearly 26,000 people have suffered life-changing injuries in the last 14 months. As of May 2024, more than 20 percent of households in Gaza reported having at least one disabled family member, with 58,000 disabled individuals registered with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
Wateridge also expressed grave concern about widespread food insecurity and malnutrition in Gaza.
"It's been 14 months. People here really are surviving on bread, lentils, food in tin cans. We're not seeing fruit and vegetables around. We're not seeing people with families, children get the nutrients that they need in terms of fruit and vegetables. And this is also having a huge effect on the on the health of the population. In the past four months alone, nearly 19,000 children were hospitalized due to acute malnourishment," Wateridge said.
Gaza suffers highest per capita child amputee rate globally: UNRWA official
Macao, one of the world's top places for life expectancy, has dedicated significant efforts to fostering favorable environments for the health and well-being of its elderly population.
In September this year, the government-built senior housing project was completed and officially inaugurated. Designed for elderly individuals capable of independent living, the project integrates cutting-edge elderly care technologies to ensure safety and comfort.
"Why did I choose the senior apartment? It is because I know their equipment is designed for the safety of the elderly, and this is what I need most right now," said Kuan Wai I, a dweller in the facility.
The apartments offer more than just a reliable living environment. They also create a vibrant community for seniors. Kuan, who enjoys playing the saxophone, plans to organize a band and participate in various activities available in the building. In an interview with China Central Television in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China on December 20, 1999, Kuan expressed her enthusiasm for learning, eager to join as many interest classes and activities as possible.
Macao's commitment to elderly care is not limited housing. Initiated in 2009, the "Peng On Tung" Tele-Assistance Service Center provides around-the-clock emergency assistance and daily support services for seniors living alone, aging couples, those with chronic illnesses, and others in need. Even if someone simply wants to talk due to loneliness, they will not be turned away.
"Peng On Tun" is operated by the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao, with strong support from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. Its affiliated service department, the Yijun Center, not only cares for elderly residents in Macao aged 55 and above with poor health, but also offers lifelong learning opportunities for Macao residents aged 45 and above.
Macao has long prioritized the protection of its elderly and individuals with chronic or severe illnesses. The region offers generous welfare benefits to seniors, including pensions, elderly subsidies, and cash sharing schemes. Permanent residents aged 65 and above are entitled to free preventive care services at public hospitals. Since 2009, the government has also issued annual medical vouchers to all permanent residents, further easing the financial burden of health-care.
Known as the "City of Longevity," Macao's life expectancy reached 83.1 years in 2023, ranking among the top three globally. This achievement is largely attributed to the region's high pension benefits and comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive care and health maintenance.
"Since Macao's return [to the motherland], the life expectancy of Macao residents has increased by five years, and our global ranking has risen from 12th to 3rd. Furthermore, the mortality rates for both newborns and pregnant women have remained exceptionally low," said Lo Iek Long, director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
In Macao, a health center is available for every three square kilometers, offering residents convenient and free medical services.
"We provide entirely free primary-level medical services, based on the concept of family medicine, through our network of health centers," Lo said.
In July this year, the Macao SAR government unveiled the Healthy Macao Blueprint, calling for collective efforts across society to turn Macao into a healthy city by 2030. Its overarching goals include improving health literacy among all residents, promoting healthy lifestyles, controlling major chronic diseases, and continuously enhancing residents' quality of life.
The story above was featured in the third episode of the China Media Group (CMG) documentary, titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond," created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.
The series premiered on CCTV-1 at 20:00 Dec 13 and will run until Dec 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
Macao strives to become elder-friendly city to support healthy aging
