State of the World from NPR Starvation Threatens Lasting Harm to Gaza's Children
Jul 28, 2025
Doctors raise alarms about the long-lasting effects of malnutrition on children in Gaza, sharing heartbreaking stories of families struggling to survive. The podcast highlights the dire situation of very young children facing starvation and potential neurological damage. Additionally, it reveals the harrowing experiences of Venezuelans deported to a brutal Salvadoran prison, detailing human rights abuses and the psychological toll of displacement. Amidst adversity, personal tales of resilience emerge, showcasing the determination to rebuild communities.
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Child Starvation in Gaza
- Hidayah al-Mutawwak's one-and-a-half-year-old son weighs under four kilograms and survives on water only.
- She has no breast milk left due to her own malnutrition, highlighting the severe hunger crisis in Gaza.
Nutritional Deficiencies Damage Children
- Gaza's restricted food access causes serious deficiencies in iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- This leads to stunting that damages vital organs in children's development.
Starvation's Lasting Neurological Impact
- Starvation in early childhood may cause permanent neurological damage.
- Effects include learning difficulties and attention disorders if children survive.