A senior official from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a dire warning about the "generational" impact of malnutrition on Gaza’s newborns and pregnant women, urging an urgent increase in humanitarian aid. Speaking at UN headquarters in New York on October 22, 2025, Deputy Executive Director Andrew Saberton described Gaza’s conditions as dystopian, with a quarter of its population—approximately 11,500 pregnant women among them—facing starvation. This crisis, exacerbated since the war began in October 2023, threatens lifelong health consequences for newborns.

The malnutrition crisis has led to a staggering 70% of newborns being born premature or underweight, compared to 20% before the conflict, according to UNFPA data. Saberton emphasized that these conditions could result in chronic health issues for affected infants, compounding the challenges for mothers already grappling with inadequate nutrition and medical care. The destruction of over 94% of Gaza’s hospitals, with only 15% of operational facilities offering emergency obstetric care, further heightens maternal mortality risks.

The recent ceasefire has slightly eased movement for humanitarian workers, but Saberton described the flow of aid as a mere “trickle,” insufficient to meet Gaza’s needs. The lack of medical supplies, contraception, and basic necessities like sanitary pads affects 700,000 women and girls, leading to unsafe abortions and widespread reproductive health issues. An estimated 170,000 people face urinary or reproductive tract problems that, without prompt treatment, could have lifelong implications.

Also Read: Israel Receives Additional Hostage Bodies From Gaza Amid Ceasefire Progress

Saberton stressed that simple interventions, such as access to appropriate drugs and medical care, could mitigate these issues. The UN is calling for a robust international response to restore medical infrastructure and ensure adequate aid delivery, warning that failure to act swiftly will perpetuate a cycle of health crises for Gaza’s future generations.

Also Read: Gaza Family Names Newborn 'Singapore' in Touching Tribute to Humanitarian Aid