Responsible Party and Year Completed: Gaza Health Rebuilding Initiative, AHG, in progress
Link: TBC
Status: In Progress
Contact: Dr. Omar Lattouf (Gaza Health Rebuilding Initiative) – olattouf@gmail.com; Mohammed Abukhaizaran (AHG) – mo.abukhaizaran@gmail.com
Executive Summary:
The “Future of Gaza Health” report, completed after the First International Conference to Rebuild Health System of Gaza in Amman on February 7, 2024, proposes a strategic framework for rebuild Gaza’s health infrastructure. Drawing on comprehensive scientific research, international benchmarks, and insights from more than 100 global medical professionals, the report assesses the pre-conflict health system, the extensive damage caused by the conflict, and outlines a phased approach to rebuild and enhance healthcare services in Gaza.
The roadmap for reconstruction prioritizes preserving existing health services, adopting innovative delivery models like mobile clinics and telemedicine, and scaling up services to meet immediate needs. It emphasizes rebuilding infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, developing human resources, and ensuring medical supplies, aligned with the WHO’s health system building blocks. The report advocates for a collaborative, interfaith, and international effort, highlighting the need for task forces, strategic alliances, and advocacy to mobilize resources and international support.
The Arab Hospital Group is currently expanding on the report to develop a comprehensive healthcare plan that connects the West Bank and Gaza and focuses on synergies between the private and public health systems.
Short term priorities:
- Maintain essential health interventions through alternative delivery models, such as mobile clinics and telemedicine, to ensure continuity of care.
- Leverage technology and flexible service delivery methods to address immediate healthcare needs amidst ongoing conflict challenges.
- Identify and prioritize immediate-impact areas for health service scale-up, aligning with Gaza’s most pressing health needs and capabilities.
- Begin critical appraisal and prioritization of healthcare infrastructure development to lay the groundwork for comprehensive system rebuilding.
- Conduct meetings with key stakeholders, including international partners and local communities, to gather support and address concerns related to health system rebuilding.
Long term priorities:
- Execute comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, aligning with WHO standards and addressing local needs.
- Enhance accessibility and quality of healthcare services, covering both physical and mental health.
- Strengthen healthcare workforce through recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
- Ensure reliable access to medical supplies and equipment, potentially developing local production.
- Improve health data management and research capabilities for informed decision-making.
- Develop local funding mechanisms and governance structures for sustainable health service provision.
- Promote intersectoral collaboration to address broader social determinants of health.
Immediate Priorities / Proposed Next Steps:
- Conduct critical evaluations of healthcare facilities to prioritize rebuilding efforts based on immediate impacts and needs.
- Establish a task force for damage assessment, health system planning, and mobilization of resources for immediate needs.
- Protect and maintain current health services using alternative delivery models to ensure continuous care.
- Scale up healthcare services in critical areas, focusing on the most urgent health needs of the population.
- Develop a detailed plan for the full reconstruction of the healthcare system, including infrastructure, workforce, and supply chains.
- Form strategic alliances and advocacy initiatives to enhance international support and resource mobilization for the health sector’s rebuilding.