ActionAid Palestine Supports the Distribution of Dignity Kits and Hygiene Supplies in Gaza

Gaza Strip – Occupied Palestinian Territories: As part of its humanitarian efforts, ActionAid Palestine, in collaboration with the Palestinian Developmental Women Studies Association, has supported the distribution of hygiene and dignity kits  in the governorates of Deir al-Balah, Gaza, and Beit Lahia. This initiative aims to enhance health protection measures and improve personal hygiene standards for displaced families amid the ongoing deterioration of living and health conditions caused by the war that has continued since October 7, 2023, lasting over 15 months.

Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip has been experiencing a severe water shortage, with 70% of vital water infrastructure damaged or destroyed due to ongoing hostilities. This crisis has led to a significant decline in health conditions, making children the most vulnerable group. Even when water is available, it is often contaminated, contributing to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea and vomiting. The consumption of polluted and salty water poses serious health risks, including high blood pressure, kidney diseases, an increased risk of strokes, and severe gastrointestinal disorders that can cause acute dehydration, particularly affecting brain tissues.

Additionally, the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting, is escalating rapidly in Gaza, especially in overcrowded areas where displaced people have taken refuge. Elderly individuals and patients face increasing health risks, which could be fatal.

Under these harsh conditions, the urgent need for hygiene and sanitation supplies, especially for women, becomes even more critical. These essential aid efforts help strengthen health protection, restore a sense of safety, and rebuild social support networks that have been disrupted by displacement. Despite ongoing relief efforts, humanitarian needs remain immense, with thousands of women and girls suffering from severe insecurity, in addition to a major shortage of adequate shelter, privacy, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services.

About ActionAid International

ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.

ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.

For more information, please contact:

Riham Jafari 

Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine 

Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org