WHO Launches Operational Response Plan in Occupied Palestinian Territory
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an operational response plan to address the pressing public health needs of the occupied Palestinian territory. The plan aims to provide critical support to the Ministry of Health and partners to maintain key health information system functions, monitor attacks on health, and deliver life-saving essential health services.
Supply Chain Management
- WHO will establish a health logistics coordination mechanism with key partners to ensure an adequate flow of supplies and prioritize key health items at all levels.
- The organization will provide support for the transport of medical supplies to and within the Gaza Strip, leveraging capacities to establish logistic capability and ensuring continuous flow of essential medical supplies.
Health Cluster Coordination
- WHO will coordinate delivery of the health response with all partners involved, including the Ministry of Health, UN agencies, international NGOs, national NGOs, and donors.
- The organization will work closely with partners to map and monitor progress on all response activities towards set targets and identify activities to be incorporated into a longer-term humanitarian health response plan.
Public Health Intelligence
- WHO will provide routine public health data analysis, visualization, and presentation, as well as develop dashboards on key operational data.
- The organization will also support the function of the public health emergency operations centre, including on preparedness, enhance infrastructure, facilitate contractor services, and procure IT equipment.
Budget Allocation
The WHO operational response plan for the occupied Palestinian territory has a budget of $110 million for the period from October 2023 to January 2024. The breakdown is as follows:
- Life-saving essential health services: $91 million
- Public health intelligence, early warning, disease prevention and control: $9 million
- Supplies and logistics support: $3 million
- Health emergency coordination: $1 million
- West Bank response: $3 million
- Operational security and risk management: $2 million
Key Activities
- Supporting essential health services in existing health facilities and ambulance services
- Procuring and distributing essential health-related supplies and commodities to primary healthcare facilities and pre-hospital services
- Deploying Emergency Medical Teams to deliver specialized health services, including trauma and acute emergency care
- Establishing and supporting temporary facilities to address critical gaps
The WHO operational response plan is a critical step in addressing the public health needs of the occupied Palestinian territory. The organization’s efforts will focus on ensuring that life-saving essential health services are delivered, while also addressing the underlying causes of conflict-related morbidity and mortality.