Health Action in Crises
Highlights No 250 – 9 – 15 March 2009
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.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Assessments and Events
- Pledges at the Sharm Al-Sheikh conference reached approximately US$ 35.7 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of destroyed medical facilities, with nearly 30.5 million specifically earmarked for disability-related activities.
- Pledges have yet to be implemented on the ground as the overall situation in Gaza remains unchanged. Access remains the most important condition for the advancement of relief and rehabilitation efforts.
- Due in part to lack of fuel and maintenance problems, sewage facilities have broken down, flooding the streets. The northern part of the Gaza Strip is especially affected. The provision of safe drinking water remains a priority.
Actions
- Following the conference, health partners have created an information network to compile, process and analyse data on disabilities related to the war.
- WHO supported a one-day training for MoH 25 nurses on anthropometric measurements for nutrition surveillance. Another 50 nurses are targeted.
- WHO organized a meeting of the nutrition technical group to discuss UNICEF’s proposed nutritional survey (planned for April, the survey will review the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition among children aged 6 months to 5 years, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among others).
- WHO requires US$ 9.7 million through the Special Appeal for life-saving and recovery needs in Gaza. WHO has received support from OCHA, Italy, Norway and Australia. Spain, Switzerland and ECHO have contributed to the CAP.
/…
Document Type: Situation Report
Document Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Subject: Assistance, Gaza Strip, Health, Humanitarian relief
Publication Date: 15/03/2009