New Gaza health assessment report

Urgent need to ensure sufficient fuel supply for generators in health facilities

The Gaza Strip Joint Health Sector Assessment Report published this month is the result of quantitative and qualitative data collection undertaken at the beginning of September 2014. It was led by WHO with the support of 23 partner organizations working in response to the confict in Gaza.

During the 51-day Gaza emergency, 75 health structures (17 hospitals and 58 clinics) were damaged to varying degrees and 44 facilities were closed at one time due to damage or for security reasons, limiting access to health services to almost half of the population. At the height of the confict in early August, 40 per cent of hospitals and clinics were forced to close their doors (10 of 32 hospitals and 34 of 75 clinics), predominantly in the northern and eastern areas of the Gaza Strip where military activities were particularly intense.

The assessment found critical shortages of essential medicines and other supplies, outdated or degraded medical equipment, health staff unpaid and in need of targeted training, and an urgent need to ensure sufficient fuel supply for generators in health facilities.

Beyond those injured by violence, the assessment showed that during and after the confict, people with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes were unable to access services or obtain medication. Demand for referrals outside of Gaza for patients unable to receive adequate services in the Gaza Strip increased.

The assessment also warned of long-term increased demands on health services by more than 1,000 patients who acquired prolonged or permanent injuries in the confict, and the anticipated increase in mental health needs such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. (WHO estimates 20 percent of the population in emergency afected areas will require some form of mental health intervention.)

* This article was contributed by WHO