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OVERVIEW

This is the 4 February update on the situation of the health sector situation since the outbreak of hostilities in the Gaza Strip on 27 December 2008.

- 4 Feb, UNDSS(1) advised UN facilities in Gaza to remain closed and UN staff to remain at home while UNMAS(2) teams neutralize unexploded ordinances.

- Post-ceasefire assessments to evaluate immediate health needs and damage to health facilities are being finalized.

- 122 health facilities assessed, about 48% found damaged or destroyed:

- 15 hospitals and 41 PHC centers partially damaged;

- 2 PHC centers destroyed;

- 29 ambulances partially damaged or destroyed.

- Immunization resumes with an attendance rate higher than average.

- Electricity supplies improve at health facilities.

International Humanitarian Law requires all medical personnel and facilities be protected at all times, even during armed conflict. Attacks on them are grave violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws. Access to heath is a fundamental human right.

EMERGENCY STATUS

The emergency status declared by all MoH hospitals during the conflict was suspended on 22 January and all MoH facilities have resumed normal functionality.

CASUALTIES and AFFECTED

On 31 January, the MoH reported that 1380 Palestinian people had been killed(3) since 27 December 2008, of whom 431 were children and 112 women. Approximately 5380 people were reported injured, including 1872 children and 800 women(4). Injuries were often multiple traumas with head injuries, thorax and abdominal wounds. Among the casualties, 16 health staff were killed and 22 injured while on duty(5).

UNRWA reported that 3 out of the 50 emergency shelters established to accommodate displaced people continue operating for 445 displaced people.

HEALTH PERSONNEL

Before 27 December 2008, 5469 health personnel were regularly reporting to duty at the different MoH health facilities. 514 health personnel were unable to report to duty during the crisis due to insecurity, according to the MoH Director of Hospitals. For this reason, 89 health personnel were redeployed from their hospitals to others near their place of residence.

At MoH primary health care (PHC) level, around 1300 health personnel were reporting to work before 27 December. Most were unable to do so during the crisis but returned to duty with regular working hours after the cease-fire.

Notes

(1) United Nations Department of safety and Security

(2) United Nations Mine Action Service

(3) This number does not include those who have died due to lack of access to regular health care (including obstetric care and treatment for chronic diseases).

(4) Ministry of Health, Ramallah

(5) Information collected by the Palestinian Health Information Center.

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