Chicago Ridge, Illinois – MedGlobal has released a new report documenting a 50 percent decline in acute malnutrition among children under five in Gaza, from 16.8% in July 2025 to 8.4% in July 2026. Titled “Aid Reached Them. They Recovered.”, the report links improvements in child nutrition to expanded humanitarian access and increased nutrition interventions following the October 2025 ceasefire. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining medical and nutritional assistance as humanitarian needs persist.

The findings are based on a SMART-compatible nutrition assessment covering 1,304 households across North Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. According to the Gaza child nutrition recovery report, severe acute malnutrition declined from 6.8% to 2.1% during the same period. Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 34.1% to 58.1%, while minimum dietary diversity improved from 32.2% to 55.1%. 

 

These indicators suggest that expanded humanitarian access and targeted nutrition interventions have contributed to improved conditions for vulnerable children and families. While the findings mark significant progress, MedGlobal warns that these gains remain fragile and depend on sustained humanitarian medical aid in Gaza, continued funding, and uninterrupted access to essential supplies.

 

The report follows MedGlobal’s July 2025 “Starved by Siege” assessment, which documented deteriorating nutrition conditions and widespread food insecurity. Following expanded humanitarian access after the October 2025 ceasefire, aid organizations increased nutrition interventions across Gaza. Over the preceding 12 months, MedGlobal provided acute malnutrition treatment to more than 21,500 children and screened over 100,000 children under five in Gaza. The organization also screened more than 105,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and delivered nutrition counseling to 65,704 mothers and caregivers. These interventions formed part of the expanded humanitarian response documented in the October 2026 report.

 

MedGlobal delivered these services through two nutrition stabilization centers, three hospitals, five medical points, and seven distribution sites. The organization also trained more than 150 health workers, supporting the delivery of nutrition services through local healthcare teams. 

 

Despite the reported improvements, significant nutritional needs remain. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification projects that 74,200 children aged 6 to 59 months will require treatment for acute malnutrition through April 2027, including more than 11,400 children with severe acute malnutrition. The World Food Programme estimates that approximately 1.4 million people remain food insecure and warns that up to 90% of Gaza’s population could return to severe food insecurity if assistance declines. 

 

The October 2026 findings provide evidence that sustained humanitarian assistance can improve child nutrition outcomes during prolonged emergencies. MedGlobal calls for continued donor support, expanded nutrition funding, and reliable access for humanitarian organizations delivering essential healthcare. The organization stresses that protecting recent progress requires ongoing cooperation and investment rather than short-term interventions. 

 

Those seeking more information about the report or MedGlobal’s humanitarian programs can contact Leena Sahloul, Communications Manager at MedGlobal, via WhatsApp at +44 7309 227116 or email at leena.sahloul@medglobal.org.

 

About MedGlobal

 

MedGlobal is an international humanitarian nonprofit founded in 2017. The organization provides emergency medical assistance, essential healthcare services, and support for local health systems in crisis-affected communities worldwide. Working with local medical professionals and humanitarian partners, MedGlobal serves refugees, displaced populations, and vulnerable communities affected by conflict and disasters. Its mission is to reduce healthcare disparities, strengthen locally led health systems, and improve access to essential medical care.

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Name
MedGlobal
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Dr. Zaher Sahloul, President & CEO, MedGlobal
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Chicago Ridge
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Illinois
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60415
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United States
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https://medglobal.org/

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