Gaza’s health system recovery needs $10 billion

Dr. Rick Pepperkorn, representative of the World Health Organization in the occupied Palestinian territories, stressed that restoring the health system in Gaza will be a complex and challenging task, as only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning and more than 25% of those infected face life-changing injuries.

Pepperkorn said in a video press conference for journalists in Geneva today that meeting the needs of the health system in Gaza will require more than 10 billion dollars.

He warned that the risk of famine still exists and that specialized health care is not available in many areas.

He added that the announcement of a ceasefire brings hope, but the challenge ahead is amazing, stressing that the World Health Organization and its partners stand ready to support the health system in Gaza and are working to expand the scope of operations and mobilize vital supplies and resources to meet immediate needs and support early recovery efforts.

He called for removing the major security and political obstacles preventing the provision of aid throughout Gaza.
Pepperkorn said that restoring the health system is a collective effort that must be guided and implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the health workforce and partners.

He added that there is a need for Palestinian-led solutions that work for the Gaza Strip and urged donors and the international community to provide flexible financing, allowing a rapid and effective response to urgent and longer-term needs.