Caring for Women in an Active War Zone.

Abstract

Emergency nursing in Gaza's war zone presents innumerable challenges when caring for female patients in a depleted health care system. Negative health outcomes specifically impact women of all ages due to lack of access to menstrual products, prenatal and primary care, private bathrooms, medication, essential nutrition, and clean water. The massive destruction of infrastructure and consequent internal displacement of millions has led to a rise in infectious diseases. The few remaining functional hospitals depend heavily on foreign medical delegations for supplies, which results in a lack of standardized treatment for women's health complaints. Emergency departments must also navigate overcrowding, lack of basic supplies and specialists, and prioritization of daily mass casualty incidents from nearby explosions. These obstacles make treatment, discharge teaching, and follow-up care for women's health difficult to implement. Despite these arduous circumstances, Gazan health care professionals find innovative solutions to improve outcomes and reduce harm while honoring the cultural and religious preferences of their female patients.