The growing statehood ambitions of Palestinians and the Palestinian authority have provided some cause for optimism amongst the population of the Occupied Territories. In Gaza, however, Palestinians remain in a permanent state of insecurity, paralysed by the blockade. Poverty, unemployment and aid dependency prevail, resulting in poverty-related diseases such as malnutrition and anaemia. Poor levels of sanitation, water quality and waste disposal also contribute to declining health indicators.
Economically, chronic aid dependency and spiralling unemployment (currently measured at 45 per cent) reduce the ability of civilians to pay for health services and associated costs of transport, medicines and ongoing treatment. There is also a significant psychological impact on families living without basic utilities and infrastructure.
Act for Peace in Israel / Palestine
Act for Peace supports the Middle East Council of Churches' Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees in the operation of primary health care clinics in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza health centres were established in 1952 in Shijaiya, Darraj and Rafah localities, and provide vital health care services in poor, densely populated and isolated areas. These health centres provide primary health care services to close to 100,000 vulnerable and economically disadvantaged people, supporting baby and mother care, nutrition and dental care, in addition to laboratory testing services, clinical examinations and the provision of free prescribed medicine. Especially notable is our partner’s work in tackling childhood anaemia and malnutrition, as well as their comprehensive package of services to expectant mothers and young babies. The health program has helped to stabilise health conditions in target localities, increase the quality and scope of services, and improve health knowledge and awareness amongst the population.
Act for Peace also facilitates the deployment of Australians to the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). EAPPI is a global program of the World Council of Churches, run in conjunction with local churches and Palestinian NGOs and communities. The program's mission is to accompany Palestinians and Israelis in non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation of Palestine. The Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) spend three months a year working with vulnerable communities, monitoring and promoting the protection of human rights. In 2011, Act for Peace funded the deployment of three Australian EAs to flashpoints in the West Bank. Accounts from the Australian EAs can be found on the blog section of our website.
Please click here to watch videos where some of the people who are working for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine share their stories.
Click here to read about health care for families and children in Gaza, and here to read about how our project partner is empowering people in Gaza.
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can provide life saving medicine for a child |
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can provide a course of treatment for an anaemic child |
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can provide nutritious food for a family of four people for one month. |
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can give a person training in Community Awareness skills so they can become a figure of leadership |