Ramallah:Japan has committed approximately $1.97 million to bolster the health response system in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) signed an agreement with the Government of Japan, marking a significant step in addressing the ongoing health challenges in the region.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the agreement was formalized in a ceremony held in Ramallah, attended by ARAIKE Katsuhiko, Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, and Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian Territory.
The financial grant is aimed at alleviating the strains on Gaza's health system, which is grappling with a shortage of medical personnel and increasing patient demands. A pivotal aspect of this grant is the creation of an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) coordination cell within Gaza City's Emergency Operations Centre. This cell will facilitate the registration and deployment of emergency medical teams, aligning with national health priorities.
In addition to the coordination efforts, thirty health officials and partners will undergo training to enhance their capabilities in managing and coordinating EMTs. The initiative also includes the implementation of standard operating procedures and data management systems to support team registration and operational planning.
Furthermore, the grant supports the training and equipping of 100 national EMT staff with deployment kits, enhancing Gaza's ability to respond to emergencies. The project aims for a transition towards a sustainable, nationally coordinated response system, gradually transferring responsibilities to the Ministry of Health.
Ambassador ARAIKE emphasized the need for addressing both immediate and long-term needs of the Palestinian people, highlighting the importance of rebuilding essential infrastructure and public institutions. Reinhilde Van De Weerdt expressed gratitude towards Japan for their contribution, which aims to ensure future emergency responses are well-organized and nationally led.