Foundation of Open Society Institute,  Switzerland, Grants WA USD 500,000 for Provision of Urgent Medical Needs to NGO hospitals and Medical Centers in Gaza

11 February 2009

The Foundation of the Open Society Institute (FOSI), Switzerland, and the Welfare Association signed a USD 575,000 grant agreement to ensure the provision of fuel and supplies for emergency medical services to 16 NGO hospitals and medical centers in Gaza.

The 5-month project aims at ensuring that the NGO health centers are able to continue operations during a period of increased medical needs of the 1.5 million population following the recent 3-week bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces. Even prior to the military aggression that began on December 27, 2008, medical centers had been hindered by fuel, equipment and supply shortages as a result of the 18-month blockade on imports imposed by Israel after Palestinian elections.

Welfare Association led the on-the-ground coordination to identify and meet the most urgent needs of NGO hospitals and PHCs regarding fuel, equipment, medicine and supplies from the beginning of the latest Gaza emergency. This 5-month project will provide two months fuel supply for hospital generators and for emergency services vehicles, in addition to provision of locally available medical disposables and emergency equipment. Lists of NGO needs are being coordinated with international agencies, international organizations, the Palestinian Ministry of Health/WHO operations room, NGO partners, and donors.

In Gaza, NGO health service providers have been an important second line after the public sector hospitals for post-surgical injuries, and emergency and primary health care in marginalized communities. 16 NGO hospitals and major providers of PHC, mobile clinic and emergency services will directly benefit from the project.  In 2006-2007, WA implemented a $1 million project supported by FOSI for the provision of emergency medical supplies to West Bank and Gaza hospitals.

Welfare Association launched a USD 5 million emergency Gaza Appeal in late December 2008 for support for a 3-phased Gaza recovery plan and after only one month was successful in raising USD 2.5. An initial WA health intervention in Gaza included one month's fuel supply to the NGO health centers enabling them to continue operations through January, and some immediate equipment needs. The FOSI grant will allow WA to focus its future support on medium term development needs in Gaza arising from the crisis.