In this Health Cluster Partners update, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and the response activities undertaken by the partners. The report covers both Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the efforts made to ensure the provision of essential healthcare services in these challenging circumstances.
Gaza
Evacuation and Medical Support
In Gaza, the priority has been to evacuate patients and medical staff from hospitals to safer locations. Shifa Hospital successfully evacuated 221 patients and companions, including 31 babies. Most of the babies were referred to Egypt for further treatment, while three remained at Emirati Hospital. Additionally, around 500 patients and staff were evacuated from the Indonesian Hospital.
Healthcare Consultations and Services
Despite the ongoing crisis, primary healthcare consultations have been provided to approximately 30,000 individuals per day through fixed and mobile clinic services. In terms of specific services, there have been 72 rehabilitation and nursing sessions, along with 3,177 post-natal care consultations. The health cluster partners have also been actively engaged in providing vaccination services, benefiting 10,156 children.
Medical Kits and Supplies
To ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, various medical kits have been delivered to hospitals in Gaza. This includes 212 IEHK kits, 15 AWD community kits, 50 midwifery kits, and 15 obstetric surgical kits to Nasser Hospital. Additionally, 16 IARH kits have been provided to hospitals such as Al Awda, Al Aqsa, Emirati, Nasser, Al Ama, and Al Khair to support emergency obstetric care services.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Recognizing the importance of mental health and psychosocial support, the health cluster partners have been providing services to approximately 20,000 individuals in Gaza. These services are crucial in addressing the psychological impact of the crisis on the affected population.
West Bank
Trauma and Emergency Interventions
In the West Bank, efforts have been made to preposition supplies that can benefit 2,000 trauma and emergency interventions in Ramallah. This ensures the availability of critical resources to respond promptly to emergencies and provide immediate care to those in need.
Rehabilitation Services and Training
Rehabilitation services have been provided to 21 individuals in the West Bank, aiding their recovery from injuries and trauma. Moreover, community volunteers in Nablus, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem have been trained in first aid and bleeding control techniques for the injured, further strengthening the emergency response capacity in these areas.
Mental Health Support and Training
Approximately 500 individuals in the West Bank, including survivors of settler violence, excessive use of force, and demolitions, have benefited from mental health and psychosocial support services. In addition, 10 doctors and nurses in Qalqilya have received basic life-saving training, enhancing their ability to provide immediate care in critical situations. Mental health integration using the mhGAP framework has also been emphasized through 10 supervision sessions.
Support for Gaza Workers
Health services, including mental health and psychosocial support, continue to be extended to Gaza workers sheltering in the West Bank. This support is essential in ensuring the overall well-being and resilience of the affected population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the health cluster partners have been actively engaged in responding to the healthcare needs in the occupied Palestinian territory. Despite the challenging circumstances, efforts have been made to evacuate patients, provide essential healthcare consultations and services, deliver medical kits and supplies, and offer mental health and psychosocial support. The commitment and dedication of the partners are instrumental in alleviating the suffering of the affected population and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
