The healthcare situation in Gaza and the West Bank faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict. The region has experienced a high number of fatalities, injuries, and attacks on healthcare facilities, leading to a significant strain on the healthcare system and severely impacting the population's well-being.
Since 7 October 2023, the Gaza Strip has reported over 34,000 fatalities, and the West Bank has reported over 480 fatalities, along with over 800 recorded attacks on healthcare across the occupied Palestinian territory. Chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders have also been on the rise. The population also faces other challenges including food insecurity, access to safe water and sanitation services, and rising rates of malnutrition.
Despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing to provide healthcare services to the affected population. Trauma and emergency care interventions are being provided along the trauma pathway, and field hospitals and Emergency Medical Teams have been deployed to support case management. The provision of primary health care services including disease surveillance efforts have been expanded by Health Cluster partners. Millions of dollars’ worth of supplies have been procured and delivered to support the population's healthcare needs.
However, the healthcare response in Gaza and the West Bank continues to face operational challenges, including insecurity, displacements, shortages of medical supplies and fuel, limited access to some locations, and social stresses affecting the capacity of healthcare staff to work effectively. The obstruction of access for ambulances, healthcare workers, and patients further complicates the delivery of essential healthcare services in the region.
Partners and donors are crucial in supporting the healthcare response in Gaza and the West Bank. Collaborative efforts are essential to address the healthcare crisis, with a recently launched Flash appeal calling for $408.5 million to target 2.9 million people to ensure the provision of essential healthcare services to the affected population.