29 may 2014
Head of the First Aid Arab Union Society Mohammad Gharabli slammed the Israeli police for having deliberately targeted Palestinian medical relief staff and warned of a potential transformation of such aggressions into systematic deadly tactics. Gharabli’s warnings were released as seven ambulance personnel were left severely injured during the clashes that broke out in Occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday evening, following the provocative rallies staged by hundreds of extremist Israeli settlers.
“Our emergency paramedics have been deliberately targeted by the Israeli police forces, paving the way for a potential systemization of such deadly tactics to thwart our relief mission. A law issued by the Israeli Health Ministry outlawed any potential reluctance by an experienced person to treat a wounded. But the law is not obviously observed by the Israeli police.”
The attacks coincide with a series of rallies staged by dozens of Jerusalemite natives at Bab al-Amoud to protest the Judaization demo held by a band of Israeli fanatics on the occasion of the so-called Unification of Jerusalem, in reference to the occupation of Jerusalem during the 1967-Six-Day-War.
The non-violent Palestinian protest has been attacked and dispersed by force by the Israeli police, leading to severe injuries among dozens of Palestinian civilians. Other peaceful young marchers were rounded up in the process.
“Our emergency paramedics have been deliberately targeted by the Israeli police forces, paving the way for a potential systemization of such deadly tactics to thwart our relief mission. A law issued by the Israeli Health Ministry outlawed any potential reluctance by an experienced person to treat a wounded. But the law is not obviously observed by the Israeli police.”
The attacks coincide with a series of rallies staged by dozens of Jerusalemite natives at Bab al-Amoud to protest the Judaization demo held by a band of Israeli fanatics on the occasion of the so-called Unification of Jerusalem, in reference to the occupation of Jerusalem during the 1967-Six-Day-War.
The non-violent Palestinian protest has been attacked and dispersed by force by the Israeli police, leading to severe injuries among dozens of Palestinian civilians. Other peaceful young marchers were rounded up in the process.
13 may 2014
The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza accused the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) of refusing to release a large quantity of vaccines for Palestinian children that had arrived at one of its airport in the 1948 occupied lands. According to the ministry, some important vaccines used to protect children against mumps, measles, rubella and polio have become acutely insufficient.
It warned that a real health disaster might occur if Gazan children failed to receive uninterrupted doses of various vaccinations.
The ministry appealed to the world health organization (WHO) and the UNICEF to urgently solve the crisis of vaccinations in the Gaza Strip.
For its part, the UNRWA warned that the children in Gaza are vulnerable to a serious health disaster after six types of vaccines have become completely unavailable at its health centers.
It said that it had warned several months ago of such a situation that would have dangerous health impacts on children and newborns.
The UN group stated that the vaccinations of mumps, polio, measles, rubella, 5-in-1, and meningitis completely ran out, holding all relevant parties, especially Israel, fully responsible for this health disaster.
It warned that a real health disaster might occur if Gazan children failed to receive uninterrupted doses of various vaccinations.
The ministry appealed to the world health organization (WHO) and the UNICEF to urgently solve the crisis of vaccinations in the Gaza Strip.
For its part, the UNRWA warned that the children in Gaza are vulnerable to a serious health disaster after six types of vaccines have become completely unavailable at its health centers.
It said that it had warned several months ago of such a situation that would have dangerous health impacts on children and newborns.
The UN group stated that the vaccinations of mumps, polio, measles, rubella, 5-in-1, and meningitis completely ran out, holding all relevant parties, especially Israel, fully responsible for this health disaster.
30 apr 2014
The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health on Wednesday shipped medical supplies and equipment to the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said.
Speaking at a news conference in Ramallah, Hamdallah told reporters that all Palestinian people stand with Gaza and "we will remain united until we end your suffering and establish an independent Palestinian state."
The shipment, which is thought to be worth around six million shekels ($1,729,900), contains medicine for cancer, diabetes, and dialysis machines.
Speaking at a news conference in Ramallah, Hamdallah told reporters that all Palestinian people stand with Gaza and "we will remain united until we end your suffering and establish an independent Palestinian state."
The shipment, which is thought to be worth around six million shekels ($1,729,900), contains medicine for cancer, diabetes, and dialysis machines.
21 apr 2014
Chilean medical delegation carries out 21 operations "in European hospital" in Gaza. Chilean medical delegation conducted 21 surgeries at the European Hospital, south of the Gaza Strip, during his five day stay before leaving on Monday.
Al Ray reporter quoted Dr. Abdullatif Al-Haj, the hospital manager, as saying that most of the operations carried out by the Chilean doctors, who are specialized in pediatric orthopedics, were complicated and time-consuming.
He said that local medical staff benefited much from the delegation's expertise, in light of the crippling siege that inhibits medical experience exchange.
Members of the delegation expressed happiness that they contributed to narrowing the gap in professional capacities on the part of the Gaza physicians.
They assured that they will continue to contact with the Gaza medical staff in order to develop their performance.
A recent government report stated that the number of solidarity delegations to Gaza has decreased by 95% since July 2013.
Al Ray reporter quoted Dr. Abdullatif Al-Haj, the hospital manager, as saying that most of the operations carried out by the Chilean doctors, who are specialized in pediatric orthopedics, were complicated and time-consuming.
He said that local medical staff benefited much from the delegation's expertise, in light of the crippling siege that inhibits medical experience exchange.
Members of the delegation expressed happiness that they contributed to narrowing the gap in professional capacities on the part of the Gaza physicians.
They assured that they will continue to contact with the Gaza medical staff in order to develop their performance.
A recent government report stated that the number of solidarity delegations to Gaza has decreased by 95% since July 2013.
20 apr 2014
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have completely shut down all of Madma village’s entrances, south of Nablus, where Palestinian native citizens, including humanitarian cases, were denied access out of or into the village. PIC news reporter said quoting eye-witnesses IOF soldiers erected a barrier at the eastern entrance along with two other barriers at the western and northern entrances, blocking several access-routes to other neighboring areas including Bourine, Asira al-Qibliya, and Nablus.
The barriers blocked the entry of vehicles leading to traffic jams on all sides of the village. Palestinian civilians and even ambulances, including one who came to carry a very ill civilians, were all denied access into the village.
Strict control measures have been imposed by IOF on Madama village, which has been entirely blocked for several days as a means to exert mass punishment on its Palestinian natives under unproven claims of having thrown a settler’s car with stones.
Madma, Bourine, and Asira al-Qibliya villages have long been permanent targets of IOF due to their proximity to Israeli settlements, most notably Yitzhar.
IOF soldiers have never ceased to seek ways to penalize the Palestinian citizens almost permanently as a means to force them out of their native soil.
The barriers blocked the entry of vehicles leading to traffic jams on all sides of the village. Palestinian civilians and even ambulances, including one who came to carry a very ill civilians, were all denied access into the village.
Strict control measures have been imposed by IOF on Madama village, which has been entirely blocked for several days as a means to exert mass punishment on its Palestinian natives under unproven claims of having thrown a settler’s car with stones.
Madma, Bourine, and Asira al-Qibliya villages have long been permanent targets of IOF due to their proximity to Israeli settlements, most notably Yitzhar.
IOF soldiers have never ceased to seek ways to penalize the Palestinian citizens almost permanently as a means to force them out of their native soil.
14 apr 2014
the Chilean medical delegation
A medical delegation from Chili, specialized in pediatric orthopedics arrived to Gaza ; Palestinian health ministry in Gaza in cooperation with the Palestinian Children’s Relief Association headed by Advisory Prof. Andres Chahen welcomed them at the European Hospital. The ministry warmly welcomed the delegation which consists of five doctors, and praised the Children’s Relief Association on its pioneering role for providing the health sector with Arab and European medical delegations.
The association’s coordinator of delegation Sohail Fuleifel said the aim of the visit is to conduct complex operations in orthopedic surgery for children in the Gaza European Hospital, and to examine the patients during the period of the delegation’s stay that will continue for 7 days.
A medical delegation from Chili, specialized in pediatric orthopedics arrived to Gaza ; Palestinian health ministry in Gaza in cooperation with the Palestinian Children’s Relief Association headed by Advisory Prof. Andres Chahen welcomed them at the European Hospital. The ministry warmly welcomed the delegation which consists of five doctors, and praised the Children’s Relief Association on its pioneering role for providing the health sector with Arab and European medical delegations.
The association’s coordinator of delegation Sohail Fuleifel said the aim of the visit is to conduct complex operations in orthopedic surgery for children in the Gaza European Hospital, and to examine the patients during the period of the delegation’s stay that will continue for 7 days.
Palestinians students sit next to a picture of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the Al-Quds University in the West Bank village of Abu Dis, near Jerusalem, April 9, 2014
By Karin Laub
Since graduating from a local medical school nine years ago, Basel Nassar has been barred from serving his community in East Jerusalem, despite a shortage of doctors there. Like dozens of other Palestinian doctors, Nassar has been caught in the political battle between Israel and the Palestinians over East Jerusalem. Israel captured and annexed the traditionally Arab sector in 1967, a step not recognized by most of the world, while the Palestinians seek it as a capital. Palestinians long have held that Israel’s attempt to impose its sovereignty over East Jerusalem, which is the emotional core of the Middle East conflict and home to major religious shrines, has violated basic rights and disrupted the lives of many of the city’s Arab residents.
Yet Israel’s policy of banning dozens of Jerusalem residents from working as doctors in the city is increasingly being criticized by Israelis, including leading physicians who say politics must not trump the right to health care.
Earlier this month, an Israeli court overturned the Health Ministry’s ban after Nassar and others sued, ostensibly clearing the way for him and 54 other doctors to apply for Israeli medical licenses. But it is unclear if the government has dropped the legal battle. Critics say the issue is rooted in politics, not medical standards. Many of the doctors have passed medical examination tests elsewhere, including the U.S. and Western Europe. But since all graduated from Al-Quds, a university with a foothold in East Jerusalem, Israeli recognition of their degrees could be seen as acknowledgment of Palestinian claims to the territory.
The Health Ministry applied a similar ruling several years ago to a small group of graduates on a one-off basis. It has not ruled out appealing the latest court decision. Nassar, 34, had planned to emigrate to the U.S. because he could no longer support his family on a monthly salary of $1,300 at a West Bank clinic. He could earn about triple at Israeli hospitals. Following the court decision, he says he will stay to train as a cardiologist in Israel and then work in East Jerusalem, where heart specialists are scarce. “Eventually it’s a simple equation,” he said. “People in need.
Good physicians and qualified physicians. These shall serve these.” Al-Quds’ main campus is located in Abu Dis, a West Bank suburb that straddles Jerusalem’s municipal boundary, but the university also has several satellite campuses, including three in East Jerusalem. The medical school, which was the first established in the Palestinian territories in 1994 – is in Abu Dis. While pledging its commitment to academic freedom, Al-Quds also views itself as a defender of Palestinian rights in Jerusalem. In its brochure, it describes itself as “an embodiment of Palestinian perseverance in Jerusalem.”
Because of the East Jerusalem branches, Israeli authorities have refused to recognize Al-Quds as a foreign university, a status conferred on other West Bank institutions of higher learning. The Council of Higher Education in Israel, meanwhile, has not ruled on the university’s repeated requests to put its East Jerusalem campuses under Israeli oversight, university officials said. As a result, the Israel Health Ministry prevented the Al-Quds medical school graduates from taking the Israeli licensing exams that are open to graduates of foreign universities.
In 2009, after legal action, the ministry permitted 15 graduates to take the Israeli exam, but refused to turn this into concrete policy. In 2011, Nassar and his fellow graduates went to court. Israeli attorney Shlomo Lecker, who represented the young doctors, said Israel was holding his clients “hostage” to pressure Al-Quds in a bid to close its academic institutions in East Jerusalem. In early April, Jerusalem’s District Court ruled in favor of the Palestinian doctors – all residents of the city – and said the ministry must allow them to take the Israeli exams. Asked if this would become policy, the ministry said in a written response that “the ruling does not only apply to the petitioners,” but that “we cannot commit to every future case.”
It said it would soon “enable those among the Al-Quds graduates who are eligible” to take the exams, but “on condition that no appeal will be filed by the state.” Government spokesman Mark Regev declined requests for any further comment. Dr. Hani Abdeen, the dean of the medical school, said Israel’s refusal to accredit his graduates – particularly the Jerusalem residents – has exacerbated a brain drain.
About 75 medical students graduate from Al-Quds each year, and of those about 30 to 40 percent move to the U.S., Europe and other Arab countries seeking higher pay and advancement opportunities, he said, adding that some would likely stay if allowed to enter the Israeli system. Dr. Ruth Stalnikovicz, who heads the emergency department at the Hadassah University Hospital on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus, said she would welcome more Arabic-speaking doctors in the city. “Politics should not be involved,” Stalnikovicz said.
Source: The Daily Star
By Karin Laub
Since graduating from a local medical school nine years ago, Basel Nassar has been barred from serving his community in East Jerusalem, despite a shortage of doctors there. Like dozens of other Palestinian doctors, Nassar has been caught in the political battle between Israel and the Palestinians over East Jerusalem. Israel captured and annexed the traditionally Arab sector in 1967, a step not recognized by most of the world, while the Palestinians seek it as a capital. Palestinians long have held that Israel’s attempt to impose its sovereignty over East Jerusalem, which is the emotional core of the Middle East conflict and home to major religious shrines, has violated basic rights and disrupted the lives of many of the city’s Arab residents.
Yet Israel’s policy of banning dozens of Jerusalem residents from working as doctors in the city is increasingly being criticized by Israelis, including leading physicians who say politics must not trump the right to health care.
Earlier this month, an Israeli court overturned the Health Ministry’s ban after Nassar and others sued, ostensibly clearing the way for him and 54 other doctors to apply for Israeli medical licenses. But it is unclear if the government has dropped the legal battle. Critics say the issue is rooted in politics, not medical standards. Many of the doctors have passed medical examination tests elsewhere, including the U.S. and Western Europe. But since all graduated from Al-Quds, a university with a foothold in East Jerusalem, Israeli recognition of their degrees could be seen as acknowledgment of Palestinian claims to the territory.
The Health Ministry applied a similar ruling several years ago to a small group of graduates on a one-off basis. It has not ruled out appealing the latest court decision. Nassar, 34, had planned to emigrate to the U.S. because he could no longer support his family on a monthly salary of $1,300 at a West Bank clinic. He could earn about triple at Israeli hospitals. Following the court decision, he says he will stay to train as a cardiologist in Israel and then work in East Jerusalem, where heart specialists are scarce. “Eventually it’s a simple equation,” he said. “People in need.
Good physicians and qualified physicians. These shall serve these.” Al-Quds’ main campus is located in Abu Dis, a West Bank suburb that straddles Jerusalem’s municipal boundary, but the university also has several satellite campuses, including three in East Jerusalem. The medical school, which was the first established in the Palestinian territories in 1994 – is in Abu Dis. While pledging its commitment to academic freedom, Al-Quds also views itself as a defender of Palestinian rights in Jerusalem. In its brochure, it describes itself as “an embodiment of Palestinian perseverance in Jerusalem.”
Because of the East Jerusalem branches, Israeli authorities have refused to recognize Al-Quds as a foreign university, a status conferred on other West Bank institutions of higher learning. The Council of Higher Education in Israel, meanwhile, has not ruled on the university’s repeated requests to put its East Jerusalem campuses under Israeli oversight, university officials said. As a result, the Israel Health Ministry prevented the Al-Quds medical school graduates from taking the Israeli licensing exams that are open to graduates of foreign universities.
In 2009, after legal action, the ministry permitted 15 graduates to take the Israeli exam, but refused to turn this into concrete policy. In 2011, Nassar and his fellow graduates went to court. Israeli attorney Shlomo Lecker, who represented the young doctors, said Israel was holding his clients “hostage” to pressure Al-Quds in a bid to close its academic institutions in East Jerusalem. In early April, Jerusalem’s District Court ruled in favor of the Palestinian doctors – all residents of the city – and said the ministry must allow them to take the Israeli exams. Asked if this would become policy, the ministry said in a written response that “the ruling does not only apply to the petitioners,” but that “we cannot commit to every future case.”
It said it would soon “enable those among the Al-Quds graduates who are eligible” to take the exams, but “on condition that no appeal will be filed by the state.” Government spokesman Mark Regev declined requests for any further comment. Dr. Hani Abdeen, the dean of the medical school, said Israel’s refusal to accredit his graduates – particularly the Jerusalem residents – has exacerbated a brain drain.
About 75 medical students graduate from Al-Quds each year, and of those about 30 to 40 percent move to the U.S., Europe and other Arab countries seeking higher pay and advancement opportunities, he said, adding that some would likely stay if allowed to enter the Israeli system. Dr. Ruth Stalnikovicz, who heads the emergency department at the Hadassah University Hospital on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus, said she would welcome more Arabic-speaking doctors in the city. “Politics should not be involved,” Stalnikovicz said.
Source: The Daily Star
13 apr 2014
By Fedaa al-Qedra
90 percent of the drinking water in Gaza has higher levels of salinity than is recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as an increasing level of water-borne disease.
Experts warned of human crisis If pumping continues at this rate, they said by 2016 year there will be no usable water in Gaza.
Most of Gazans are buying their drinking water from unregulated private vendors which form a heavy burden on already impoverished families.
Mohamed Yaseen said that the municipal water received by pipes is saline and undrinkable.
He added that he forced to buy desalinated water from the street hawkers and he spend a lot of money to buy filtered water because he has a big family.
Khalil Hamoda from Sheikh Redwan neighborhood in Gaza told ALRAY that he forced to break the law by digging a water well in his house garden, because of his daily need of fresh water especially in Summer.
Hamoda said " I don’t trust hawkers so I bought a water filter but it Crashes in less than a week because of the extreme salinity of the water that enters it, which led to the accumulation of impurities it."
Mohammed Al-Balawi said that he use the municipal water for washing and house working where he buys the filter water for drinking, added " even soup don’t cream in salt water."
Mohammed Mahdi the owner of al-Sabeel water plant emphasized that they filter water per hour to get a cup of water from 3 cups is drinkable, this refers to the filters technology that used.
Director of Coast Water Authority Monther Shoplaqs spoke to ALRAY " the aquifer's water is high in nitrogen and chloride making 90to 95 percent of Gaza main water supply unfit for drinking."
He added The average consumption of water per citizen in Gaza is 80 litres per day, while the global rates determine 150 liters of water per person per day, it makes the citizen in the Gaza area suffer from adequate supply of water by half, according to global averages
Shoplaq warned of a serious water crisis in Gaza Strip, he pointed out in the year 2016 there will be no sufficient amount of water, and the citizen will have no water except seawater.
Shoblak added "The amount of water that pumped from the aquifer is more than the coming water which caused mixing seawater the aquifer with fresh water causing salinity of the water.
Dr. Khazem Abu Lebda kidney and unary tract specialist said that salt water causes many diseases for both old and young like Osteoporosis due to the lack of calcium and magnesium elements.
He emphasized that saline water leads to salt levels in humans that causes kidney dysfunction, heart failure, neurological symptoms, lethargy, and high blood pressure, advised citizens to avoid drinking salt water as much as possible, in order to avoid the incidence of these diseases.
90 percent of the drinking water in Gaza has higher levels of salinity than is recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as an increasing level of water-borne disease.
Experts warned of human crisis If pumping continues at this rate, they said by 2016 year there will be no usable water in Gaza.
Most of Gazans are buying their drinking water from unregulated private vendors which form a heavy burden on already impoverished families.
Mohamed Yaseen said that the municipal water received by pipes is saline and undrinkable.
He added that he forced to buy desalinated water from the street hawkers and he spend a lot of money to buy filtered water because he has a big family.
Khalil Hamoda from Sheikh Redwan neighborhood in Gaza told ALRAY that he forced to break the law by digging a water well in his house garden, because of his daily need of fresh water especially in Summer.
Hamoda said " I don’t trust hawkers so I bought a water filter but it Crashes in less than a week because of the extreme salinity of the water that enters it, which led to the accumulation of impurities it."
Mohammed Al-Balawi said that he use the municipal water for washing and house working where he buys the filter water for drinking, added " even soup don’t cream in salt water."
Mohammed Mahdi the owner of al-Sabeel water plant emphasized that they filter water per hour to get a cup of water from 3 cups is drinkable, this refers to the filters technology that used.
Director of Coast Water Authority Monther Shoplaqs spoke to ALRAY " the aquifer's water is high in nitrogen and chloride making 90to 95 percent of Gaza main water supply unfit for drinking."
He added The average consumption of water per citizen in Gaza is 80 litres per day, while the global rates determine 150 liters of water per person per day, it makes the citizen in the Gaza area suffer from adequate supply of water by half, according to global averages
Shoplaq warned of a serious water crisis in Gaza Strip, he pointed out in the year 2016 there will be no sufficient amount of water, and the citizen will have no water except seawater.
Shoblak added "The amount of water that pumped from the aquifer is more than the coming water which caused mixing seawater the aquifer with fresh water causing salinity of the water.
Dr. Khazem Abu Lebda kidney and unary tract specialist said that salt water causes many diseases for both old and young like Osteoporosis due to the lack of calcium and magnesium elements.
He emphasized that saline water leads to salt levels in humans that causes kidney dysfunction, heart failure, neurological symptoms, lethargy, and high blood pressure, advised citizens to avoid drinking salt water as much as possible, in order to avoid the incidence of these diseases.
7 apr 2014
International Health Day: Palestine is Free of All Vector-Borne Diseases Except of the Leishmaniasis
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) Issued a Press Release on the Occasion of International Health Day 07/04/2014.
World Health Day 2014
WHO identified a major subject for World Health Day this year which is "vector-borne diseases." The purpose of this year's campaign is to highlight some of the most commonly known vectors – such as mosquitoes, sandflies, bugs, ticks and snails – responsible for transmitting a wide range of parasites and pathogens that attack humans or animals. for example, Malaria, Dengue Fever, Japanese encephalitis, Lymphatic disease,
Schistosomiasis, Yellow fever, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Human African trypanosomiasis, Onchocerciasis
Vector-Borne Diseases in Palestine
Due to the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and it's preventive procedures; Palestine is completely free of all vector-borne diseases listed above with the exception of the disease leishmaniasis, which still recorded injuries in the West Bank , while the Gaza Strip free of it as a result of the different nature of the environment.
In the year 2012 recorded 228 cases of leishmaniasis Leather in the West Bank at a rate of infection of 8.5 per hundred thousand population, and recorded about 80% of cases in Jericho and Al-aghwar governorate, Tubas, and Qalqilya. Also recorded 8 cases of cytoplasmic leishmaniasis in three governorates: (4 in Ramallah and Al-Bireh 0.3 in Hebron, and one in Nablus ) , and the rate of infection of 0.3 per hundred thousand people. The Ministry of Health, especially the Departments of Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine is doing great efforts in the fight against this disease and in the treatment of the patients .
Secondary Health Care
There were 79 government and non-governmental hospitals in Palestine in 2012 with a capacity of 5,487 beds: 25 MOH hospitals with a capacity of 2,979 beds which represent 54.3% of the total beds, and 54 non-governmental hospitals with a capacity of 2,508 beds which represent 45.7% of the total hospital beds .
Primary Health Care
There were 750 clinics and primary care centers in 2012, including 603 clinics in the West Bank and 147 in the Gaza Strip.
While the MOH centers were 460 which represent 61.3% of the total primary health centers in Palestine.
Workers in Health Sector
A total of 8,810 physicians were registered in Palestine in 2012. The average number of physicians per 1,000 of population was 2.2: 2.3 in the West Bank and 2.2 in the Gaza Strip.
There were 11,633 nurses registered in Palestine in 2012. The average number of nurses per 1,000 of population was 2.7: 2.2 per 1000 in the West Bank and 3.4 in the Gaza Strip.
Public Health
Chronic Diseases
18.1% of individuals 18 years and over in Palestine reported at Least One Chronic Disease; 19.3% in West Bank and 16.0% in Gaza Strip.
Percentage of Persons 18 Years and Over Who Reported at Least One Chronic Disease by Region, 2010
Smoking
Data of 2010 show significant discrepancies by sex: the percentage of male smokers aged 18 years and over was much higher of female smokers; the percentage was 42.2% for males and 2.3% for females.
Also the data showed variations between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the percentage of male smokers in the West Bank was 49.7%, while in Gaza Strip, 28.6% of males, while among females in the West Bank; 3.5%, and in Gaza Strip 0.2% only.
Percentage of Persons Aged 18 Years and Over Reported as Smokers by Sex and Region, 2010
Under-five Mortality Rate
In 2010, the under-five mortality rate in Palestine varied by region and sex. In the West Bank the rate was 21.0 per 1,000 live births. It was highest in the Gaza Strip at 26.8 per 1,000 live births. Significant differences were noted in under-five mortality rates between males and females with 26.6 per 1000 live births for male children compared with 20.1 per 1000 live birth for female children.
The infant mortality rate in Palestine was 18.9 per 1000 live births: 18.1 per 1000 live births in the West Bank and 20.1 per 1000 live births in the Gaza Strip.
Child Health
Malnutrition in Children Under Five Years
Male children under five years suffer from moderate and severe stunting more than females in the same age group: the rate was 11.9% for males and 10.0% for females. The percentage was 11.5% in the West Bank and 10.4% in the Gaza Strip.
Percentage of Children Under Five Years Who are Severely or Moderately Stunted by Region and Sex, 2010
Breastfeeding
In 2010, 95.8% of children aged 0-23 months in Palestine were breastfed: 95.4% in the West Bank and 96.4% in the Gaza Strip. The data showed that 61.5% of children in that age group were breastfed within the first hour of birth: this percentage was higher in the Gaza Strip (66.0%) than in the West Bank (58.3%). The percentage of children ever breastfed also varied by locality: the lowest percentage was observed among children in rural districts (58.0%) compared with 62.1% of urban children and 63.3% of children in camps.
Reproductive Health
Use of family planning methods
Currently married women aged 15-49 years in rural areas used contraceptives more than women in urban areas and camps: 53.7% among women in rural areas, 52.5% in urban areas and 50.0% in camps.
Data show that 52.5% of currently married women aged 15-49 years in Palestine used contraceptives: 55.1% in the West Bank and 48.2% in the Gaza Strip.
The most common method of contraception was an IUD, used by 26.3% of married women in Palestine in 2010. The second most common method was the contraceptive pill, used by 7.0% of married women.
Unmet Needs
In Palestine in 2010, 15.6% of married women aged 15-49 years in Palestine had an unmet need for family planning methods: 10.4% to space children out and 5.3% to prevent pregnancy. Married women aged 15-49 years in the Gaza Strip had a greater unmet need for family planning methods than women in the West Bank: the figures were 17.0% and 14.9% respectively.
Antenatal Care
Palestinian women aged 15-49 years in rural areas visited qualified staff the least during their previous pregnancy. In 2010, the percentage of women who visited qualified staff (four visits at least) in rural areas was 89.9% compared with 94.6% in urban areas and 96.5% of women in camps.
Health Care During Delivery
In 2010, 98.0% of births in Palestine occurred at a health facility: 97.7% in the West Bank and 98.3% in the Gaza Strip. Data showed that the rate was lowest in rural areas at 96.7% compared with 98.2% of urban women. The highest percentage was 98.6% among women in camps. The data indicate that 16.7% of births in Palestine were by Caesarean section.
Percentage of Births at Health Facilities by Region and Locality, 2010.
World Health Day 2014
WHO identified a major subject for World Health Day this year which is "vector-borne diseases." The purpose of this year's campaign is to highlight some of the most commonly known vectors – such as mosquitoes, sandflies, bugs, ticks and snails – responsible for transmitting a wide range of parasites and pathogens that attack humans or animals. for example, Malaria, Dengue Fever, Japanese encephalitis, Lymphatic disease,
Schistosomiasis, Yellow fever, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Human African trypanosomiasis, Onchocerciasis
Vector-Borne Diseases in Palestine
Due to the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and it's preventive procedures; Palestine is completely free of all vector-borne diseases listed above with the exception of the disease leishmaniasis, which still recorded injuries in the West Bank , while the Gaza Strip free of it as a result of the different nature of the environment.
In the year 2012 recorded 228 cases of leishmaniasis Leather in the West Bank at a rate of infection of 8.5 per hundred thousand population, and recorded about 80% of cases in Jericho and Al-aghwar governorate, Tubas, and Qalqilya. Also recorded 8 cases of cytoplasmic leishmaniasis in three governorates: (4 in Ramallah and Al-Bireh 0.3 in Hebron, and one in Nablus ) , and the rate of infection of 0.3 per hundred thousand people. The Ministry of Health, especially the Departments of Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine is doing great efforts in the fight against this disease and in the treatment of the patients .
Secondary Health Care
There were 79 government and non-governmental hospitals in Palestine in 2012 with a capacity of 5,487 beds: 25 MOH hospitals with a capacity of 2,979 beds which represent 54.3% of the total beds, and 54 non-governmental hospitals with a capacity of 2,508 beds which represent 45.7% of the total hospital beds .
Primary Health Care
There were 750 clinics and primary care centers in 2012, including 603 clinics in the West Bank and 147 in the Gaza Strip.
While the MOH centers were 460 which represent 61.3% of the total primary health centers in Palestine.
Workers in Health Sector
A total of 8,810 physicians were registered in Palestine in 2012. The average number of physicians per 1,000 of population was 2.2: 2.3 in the West Bank and 2.2 in the Gaza Strip.
There were 11,633 nurses registered in Palestine in 2012. The average number of nurses per 1,000 of population was 2.7: 2.2 per 1000 in the West Bank and 3.4 in the Gaza Strip.
Public Health
Chronic Diseases
18.1% of individuals 18 years and over in Palestine reported at Least One Chronic Disease; 19.3% in West Bank and 16.0% in Gaza Strip.
Percentage of Persons 18 Years and Over Who Reported at Least One Chronic Disease by Region, 2010
Smoking
Data of 2010 show significant discrepancies by sex: the percentage of male smokers aged 18 years and over was much higher of female smokers; the percentage was 42.2% for males and 2.3% for females.
Also the data showed variations between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the percentage of male smokers in the West Bank was 49.7%, while in Gaza Strip, 28.6% of males, while among females in the West Bank; 3.5%, and in Gaza Strip 0.2% only.
Percentage of Persons Aged 18 Years and Over Reported as Smokers by Sex and Region, 2010
Under-five Mortality Rate
In 2010, the under-five mortality rate in Palestine varied by region and sex. In the West Bank the rate was 21.0 per 1,000 live births. It was highest in the Gaza Strip at 26.8 per 1,000 live births. Significant differences were noted in under-five mortality rates between males and females with 26.6 per 1000 live births for male children compared with 20.1 per 1000 live birth for female children.
The infant mortality rate in Palestine was 18.9 per 1000 live births: 18.1 per 1000 live births in the West Bank and 20.1 per 1000 live births in the Gaza Strip.
Child Health
Malnutrition in Children Under Five Years
Male children under five years suffer from moderate and severe stunting more than females in the same age group: the rate was 11.9% for males and 10.0% for females. The percentage was 11.5% in the West Bank and 10.4% in the Gaza Strip.
Percentage of Children Under Five Years Who are Severely or Moderately Stunted by Region and Sex, 2010
Breastfeeding
In 2010, 95.8% of children aged 0-23 months in Palestine were breastfed: 95.4% in the West Bank and 96.4% in the Gaza Strip. The data showed that 61.5% of children in that age group were breastfed within the first hour of birth: this percentage was higher in the Gaza Strip (66.0%) than in the West Bank (58.3%). The percentage of children ever breastfed also varied by locality: the lowest percentage was observed among children in rural districts (58.0%) compared with 62.1% of urban children and 63.3% of children in camps.
Reproductive Health
Use of family planning methods
Currently married women aged 15-49 years in rural areas used contraceptives more than women in urban areas and camps: 53.7% among women in rural areas, 52.5% in urban areas and 50.0% in camps.
Data show that 52.5% of currently married women aged 15-49 years in Palestine used contraceptives: 55.1% in the West Bank and 48.2% in the Gaza Strip.
The most common method of contraception was an IUD, used by 26.3% of married women in Palestine in 2010. The second most common method was the contraceptive pill, used by 7.0% of married women.
Unmet Needs
In Palestine in 2010, 15.6% of married women aged 15-49 years in Palestine had an unmet need for family planning methods: 10.4% to space children out and 5.3% to prevent pregnancy. Married women aged 15-49 years in the Gaza Strip had a greater unmet need for family planning methods than women in the West Bank: the figures were 17.0% and 14.9% respectively.
Antenatal Care
Palestinian women aged 15-49 years in rural areas visited qualified staff the least during their previous pregnancy. In 2010, the percentage of women who visited qualified staff (four visits at least) in rural areas was 89.9% compared with 94.6% in urban areas and 96.5% of women in camps.
Health Care During Delivery
In 2010, 98.0% of births in Palestine occurred at a health facility: 97.7% in the West Bank and 98.3% in the Gaza Strip. Data showed that the rate was lowest in rural areas at 96.7% compared with 98.2% of urban women. The highest percentage was 98.6% among women in camps. The data indicate that 16.7% of births in Palestine were by Caesarean section.
Percentage of Births at Health Facilities by Region and Locality, 2010.