UNFPA and KSRelief Collaborate to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health in Gaza
24 November 2024 – East Jerusalem
In response to the devastating impact of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), with the generous funding of 1.5 million USD from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has partnered with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to improve maternal and newborn health services in the Gaza Strip. This partnership aims to ensure the delivery of life-saving health services to women, girls, and newborns across the war-torn Gaza Strip, addressing urgent needs during this unprecedented crisis.
The project aims to improve the provision of maternal and neonatal health services, with a particular focus on Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC), which are essential to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Gaza. The project is expected to directly benefit over 48,300 women, girls, and newborns with access to restored services across community, primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities.
Since 7 October 2023, Gaza has experienced widespread destruction, leaving critical health infrastructure in ruins. The ongoing hostilities across the strip continue to kill, injure, and displace Palestinians on a devastating scale, claiming the lives of nearly 50 mothers and their children daily. The conflict continues to pose unacceptable risks to aid operations, despite repeated calls for safe, unimpeded access to reach people in need.
Over 60 per cent of hospitals and primary healthcare centers are either partially or completely non-functional, leaving pregnant women and newborns particularly vulnerable.
The new project will prioritize the refurbishment and support of key facilities, including two hospitals (Al Amal and Al Khair) and a major primary healthcare center (Al Amal), to restore the provision of quality maternal and newborn care.
The project will also focus on equipping healthcare facilities and building healthcare workers’ capacity, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective and high-quality maternal and neonatal services in the midst of this ongoing crisis.
Mr. Nestor Owomuhangi, UNFPA Representative in Palestine, expressed his gratitude for this critical partnership. “The situation in Gaza is dire, with the ongoing conflict severely impacting the infrastructure and health services across the region. Through this partnership with KSRelief, we hope to ensure that women and girls can receive the healthcare they need and deserve during this crisis.”
Dr. Abdullah Saleh AlMoallem, Director of KSrelief’s Health and Environmental Aid Department, highlighted the importance of supporting women and children in Gaza, especially now. “As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, affecting the most vulnerable groups, primarily women and children, KSRelief is funding UNFPA to alleviate the suffering of women and children, including newborns. This funding aims to provide better healthcare for those in need, improve maternal health, and minimize infant mortality.”
Quick Facts:
- The project will directly benefit 48,366 women, girls, and newborns in Gaza.
- Support will be provided to two hospitals (Al Amal and Al Khair) and one primary healthcare center (Al Amal).
- The project will provide refurbishment, medical equipment, supplies, and capacity building for healthcare staff.
- The project aims to improve maternal and neonatal health through Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) and other Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.
Associated Links:
Contacts
Media Relations Office
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief)
Email: info@ksrelief.org
Lisa Sabella
Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership Officer
UNFPA Palestine
Email: lsabella@unfpa.org
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