8 April 2025 – Jerusalem, Occupied Palestinian Territory
The Government of Japan has committed USD 4 million to UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to expand access to critical reproductive health and gender-based violence services in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The funding will support the delivery of life-saving services to women and girls, whose needs—including comprehensive reproductive health care, gender-based violence prevention and response, and psychosocial support—have reached catastrophic levels.
More than 70 percent of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving the health system decimated. The majority of Gaza's population, along with 40,000 individuals in the West Bank, has been displaced in the past 18 months, resulting in many being cut off from basic services.
Key initiatives include the:
- Provision of breast cancer prevention and support services for 7,500 women in the West Bank.
- Provision of mobile primary health care services for 8,500 women and girls in vulnerable areas in the West Bank
- Expansion of sexual reproductive health services and gender-based violence prevention for over 25,000 women and girls in Gaza.
- Providing cash assistance for 1,500 to vulnerable Palestinian women for essential costs in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Health education and outreach programmes for 7,000 vulnerable adolescents and youth in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Provision of essential sexual and reproductive health and emergency care for 20,000 women and children in Gaza.
- Strengthening coordination of sexual and reproductive health services in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Supporting gender-based violence awareness and prevention for 20,000 women, men, girls, and boys in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Supporting women and girls’ safe spaces, offering comprehensive gender-based violence services, for 6,000 women and girls in Gaza.
- Enhancing the operationalization and safety of a shelter in Gaza helping 50 women
The project will be implemented by UNFPA in collaboration with national and international non-governmental organizations across Gaza and the West Bank. This initiative is part of UNFPA's ongoing humanitarian response to ensure and restore reproductive health and gender-based violence services. In 2025, UNFPA is appealing for USD 99.2 million to rebuild and restore essential health services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which includes rehabilitating damaged hospitals, deploying mobile health teams, and expanding safe spaces.
Mr. Nestor Owomuhangi, UNFPA’s representative in Palestine, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Japan's support is crucial during this crisis. This funding allows us to deliver essential services to women and girls whose health, safety, and dignity have been severely impacted by ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank. It serves as a lifeline for those affected by displacement and conflict.”
Mr. Araike Katsuhiko, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, emphasized: “Amidst the unprecedented devastation of Gaza and the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, an enormous number of people are displaced, facing a daily struggle for survival. In response, Japan has contributed to healthcare and protection efforts for women and girls through our strategic partner, UNFPA. Together, we are helping to restore hope, ensuring that those affected receive much-needed support to rebuild their lives.”
Associated Links
Contacts
Nezar Maroof
Communication Officer
Japan Representative Office)
Mobile: +970-2-2983370
Email: nezar@rm.mofa.go.jp
Lisa Sabella
Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership Officer
United Nations Population Fund, State of Palestine
Tel: +972 2581 7167
Mobile: +972 54 206 4297
Email: lsabella@unfpa.org
