2 November 2022 – In Gaza Strip, swift and timely funding from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies is helping WHO close critical gaps in needs and enhance emergency response by building up on previous efforts to bolster preparedness.

Recently, 2 sizable shipments of medicines and medical supplies were provided to the Ministry of Health to replenish the near-zero stocks of the Central Drug Store.

The supplies are a part of a series of ongoing deliveries managed by WHO through a $1.2 million funding allocated by the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies following the August 2022 escalation in Gaza Strip. 

This support package is vital in relieving pressure on the health system, building its resilience to cope with future emergencies, and ensuring the continuity of health services for some of the Gaza Strip’s most vulnerable populations. More than 30 000 people will benefit from this funding support.

“This is yet another example that highlights the importance of the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies in strengthening WHO’s role in emergencies by providing rapid and flexible funding that allows us to adapt, respond and deliver quickly according to needs. It saves time, resources, and lives,” said Dr David Lai, Health Emergencies Team Lead in the WHO country office in occupied Palestinian territory.

The recent batch of supplies will be redistributed by the Ministry of Health for immediate utilization in 7n main hospitals and 3 primary health care centre emergency rooms.