According to a recent announcement by the Ministry of Health, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights issued a press release denouncing the shortage of Phenylketonuria in the Gaza Strip. Dr Ayman al-Halabi, Director-General of the Technical Support Units at the MOH, informed PCHR’s researcher that the PKU test material, which is necessary for testing newborns within the first week of their birth to diagnose Phenylketonuria disease and determine the level of amino acids necessary for brain growth and the formation and cognitive development. Dr. al-Halabi warned that any delay in the diagnosis or testing of newborns would cause serious complications to their health that may lead to brain damage, neurological problems such as seizures and tremors, growth problems, and intellectual disability.  The Palestinian Center for Human Rights warned of the serious repercussions of the PKU testing material shortage on the lives of thousands of newborns in the Gaza Strip. The Center stressed that Israel holds the primary responsibility for providing medical supplies to the Gaza Strip population following Articles 55 and 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. To check the news, click here