Health situation in OPT, WHO action – WHO press release (excerpts)

Health action in crises

Highlights No 147 – 26 February to 4 March 2007

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:

• During the past twelve months, the health systems in Gaza and the West Bank have started to disintegrate rapidly. A second strike of health workers in the West Bank has begun on 17 February. Only emergency services are currently being delivered.

• Shortage in drug supply and dysfunctional equipment continue to be significant challenges for hospitals in the West Bank.

Actions:

• WHO and the MoH organized the Gaza health coordination meeting to present WHO’s report on health sector surveillance indicators.

• WHO, UNRWA, UNIFEM and UNICEF participated in a OCHA workshop to finalize the questionnaire for the next poll of the Palestinian Public Perceptions Survey. Data collection will start shortly.

• WHO and the MoH, with the support of three international consultants, organized a inter-sectoral workshop for the development of a National Food Safety Strategy for Palestine.

• A meeting was organized with the Norwegian Council for Mental Health in order to discuss joint work in improving the knowledge of children and parents about mental health issues.

• WHO met with the Japanese Representative Office to discuss strengthening of the MoH drug stores.

• In 2006, WHO’s emergency activities were funded by the Organization’s Regular Budget and contributions from ECHO, Finland, Japan and Norway as well as the CERF.

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