Palestine
Improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare and rehabilitation, including the construction and modernization of medical, sanitary, and administrative infrastructure of healthcare facilities, as well as enhancing the qualifications of medical personnel, with a focus on operating specialized equipment.
What’s the situation in Palestine?
Palestine faces significant health and social challenges due to prolonged Israeli occupation, leading to restricted access to basic healthcare, reproductive health, and psychosocial support. The West Bank is divided into Areas A, B, and C, with Area C, covering 62% of the territory, under full Israeli control and characterized by numerous Israeli settlements, causing territorial fragmentation. Around 300,000 Palestinians in Area C face daily Israeli control over law enforcement, service access, and freedom of movement. Mobile clinics have become essential, especially given the limited access to traditional healthcare facilities. According to OCHA, over 114,000 Palestinians in the West Bank lack basic healthcare or face significant access difficulties. The Health Cluster recommends facilitating healthcare access through mobile clinics serving communities in the West Bank. Support for mental health, psychosocial services, and reproductive health is crucial for improving residents’ well-being, especially for women and children. In 2023, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) reported that 622,480 people in the West Bank need support accessing basic healthcare. Major challenges include a weakened healthcare system due to infrastructural and logistical issues and geopolitical barriers. Ensuring access to basic health services for marginalized communities is a priority, with mobile clinics playing a key role in this effort.
How are we helping in Palestine?
The project aims to improve access to basic medical services, reproductive health, and psychosocial support for five vulnerable and marginalized local communities on the outskirts of Jerusalem and in the Jericho province. These communities, comprising about 1,600 people and 250 families, are particularly at risk due to their location in Area C of the West Bank in Palestine, where access to health and social services is extremely limited. The initiative includes regular weekly visits by a fully equipped and staffed mobile clinic to enhance the availability and quality of healthcare. The project also seeks to raise awareness about reproductive health, gender-based violence, and mental health issues by organizing educational sessions for women and girls. Training and sessions are planned to identify and prepare leaders for community psychosocial support. Additionally, regular psychosocial activities will be organized for children aged 4 to 12 and their caregivers. The project also involves renovating, furnishing, and equipping five rooms to serve as safe spaces for the entire community to organize psychosocial activities. After the project is completed, these spaces will become publicly accessible to the entire local community in Area C of the West Bank. The project aims for the long-term improvement of the well-being of these at-risk communities by providing essential medical services and psychosocial support. The initiative also aims to strengthen the communities through education and the development of local leaders, contributing to lasting benefits.
Who are we helping in Palestine?
Area C in the West Bank is struggling with a high risk of displacement, building demolitions, violence from settlers, and restrictions on movement, exacerbating the healthcare access crisis. The lack of hospitals, health centers, and qualified medical staff further hinders access to essential services. The escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict further limits access to basic services, dramatically affecting the psychosocial well-being of the community, especially children. Partners PMRS and TDH have identified five vulnerable communities in Area C where health and psychosocial services are unavailable. Planned actions include mobile clinic visits, provision of medications, health education for women, and training 60 community members in family violence, MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), and first aid.
2024-2026 / Palestine
Improving the quality of medical services, ensuring access to primary healthcare, and providing psychosocial support for marginalized communities in Palestine.
Improving the quality and access to healthcare and rehabilitation, including the construction and modernization of medical, sanitary, and administrative infrastructure of healthcare facilities, as well as enhancing the qualifications of medical personnel, with a focus on handling specialized equipment.
Duration:
1.06.2024-31.12.2026
Funding:
Polish Aid MFA
Partners:
Terre des Hommes Italia
Palestinian Medical Relief Society