Health Action in Crises – Highlights No. 203 – 7 to 13 April 2008
Each week, the World Health Organization Department for Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on the health aspects of selected humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and Headquarters. The mandate of the WHO Departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.
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OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Assessments and Events
The humanitarian context in Gaza remains very difficult. On the medical side, since June last year , there has been a steady increase in the number of patients who could not be evacuated for treatment out of the Gaza Strip.
Actions
At the monthly donor meeting WHO presented the health situation in Gaza, discussed the availability and limitations of nutritional indicators and gave an update on the trend of health services in the West Bank.
WHO participated in an UNICEF workshop on psychosocial programmes in the Gaza Strip. Both organizations are discussing joint training on psychosocial and mental health approaches.
WHO and the Palestinian information centre in Gaza are discussing updating a database covering the different health care providers in the Gaza Strip.
WHO participated in the UN sector leads meeting on the Gaza Contingency Plan to review the inter-agency humanitarian fact sheet and to prepare for the Humanitarian Coordinator visit to Gaza on 9 and 10 April.
WHO has successfully negotiated a donation of 25 surgical kits with the Norwegian Government, enough to treat 2500 persons for ten days. A cash component of US$ 120 000 for technical assistance and training was also received.
Recent WHO’s emergency activities have been supported by ECHO, Italy, Norway, OCHA/Spain, and the CERF.
For more information is available at: www.emro.who.int/palestine/
Health Action in Crises
WHO is working with partners to address the health aspects of crises in more than 40 coun tries. Check the Health Action in Crises Web site for more details: http:/www.who.int/hac/
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Subject: Gaza Strip, Health, Humanitarian relief, Social issues
Publication Date: 13/04/2008