Archive · 30 Jul 2026
UN Steps Up Rodent Control, Water Access in Gaza
The United Nations and its partners are working hard to keep people in Gaza healthy.
They are giving out a lot of poison to kill rats that spread disease.
Many places where people live have bad water and trash problems.
The UN wants more tools and oil to keep machines working.
They are also building a new water well that will help 7,000 people get clean water.
Children in Gaza are learning in temporary classrooms, but many still need better schools.
The UN is trying to fix these problems so everyone can stay safe and healthy.
UN and partners are distributing 9 metric tonnes of rodenticides daily to curb rodent infestations in Gaza.
Rodent and ectoparasite infestations were found in 83% of displacement sites, with sewage, stagnant water, and poor sanitation reported.
UN OCHA stresses urgent need for spare parts, engine oil, and access to landfills for solid waste management.
UNICEF is building a central water well in Khan Younis to serve about 7,000 people and cleaning the Sheikh Ajleen wastewater plant in Gaza City.
About 430,000 children are in temporary learning spaces, yet nearly half still lack adequate schooling.
- Who
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners
- What
- Scaling up rodent control, water and sanitation support in Gaza
- When
- Currently, as reported in early May 2024
- Where
- Gaza Strip
- Why
- To reduce public health risks from rodent infestations, poor sanitation, and lack of water
- Rodent control distribution
- 9 metric tonnes of rodenticides daily
- Infestation rate
- 83% of displacement sites
- Water well project
- Central well in Khan Younis for ~7,000 people
- Temporary learning spaces
- 600+ spaces for 430,000 children
- Solid waste access
- Need to reach landfills in 65% of strip