by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the
Commission
(20 December
2002)
|
Subject: Problem of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank |
|
The latest available
UN data show that there is a serious problem of malnutrition in the Gaza
Strip and the West Bank. The Palestinians are mainly suffering from
micronutrition deficiency - what the World Health Organisation refers to as
'hidden starvation'. Micronutrition deficiency deprives children of proper
development, damages their cognitive faculties often severely and immutably,
depresses the immune system of both children and adults and weakens mental
and physical powers. In exceptional cases, it may even cause blindness and
death. At the same time, research carried out by the United States Agency for
International Development reveals that four out of five children in Gaza and
the West Bank suffer from iron and zinc deficiency and over 50% of children
show signs of carbohydrate and vitamin A deficiency. In what way does the
Commission allocate EU financial aid to Palestine to help deal directly with
this situation? |