West Bank and Gaza Strip
A health crisis is emerging in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). During the last five years, the health sector has been negatively affected by movement restrictions, a problem that was recently compounded by the deteriorating security situation and the Ministry of Health (MoH)'s looming financial crisis. Without international intervention, the situation will worsen severely in the coming months.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health serves 1,3 million Palestinians and manages over 60% of health services in the occupied Palestinian territory, but recent fighting in the region and the financial freeze imposed in March 2006 have reduced MoH funds to a bare minimum. Currently around 25% of essential drugs and 20% of necessary disposable supplies are already out of stock, and funds to pay for staff salaries are in jeopardy as well. The World Health Organization is requesting a total of US$ 29.7 million to meet immediate health needs in the Gaza Strip and to deliver essential MoH services and public health programs for the next three months.