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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 7 January 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 January 2019. It was answered by Lord Bates (Conservative) on Monday, 21 January 2019 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Gaza: Public Health

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their most recent assessment of the impact on public health in Palestine of (1) the reduction in food aid provided by the World Food Programme, and (2) the level of availability of antibiotics and other medical supplies, water, power and fuel in Gaza.

Answer

DFID continually assesses the humanitarian context in Gaza, including in the health sector, which remains under significant strain. Recent information from the World Food Programme states that cuts in its funding will affect 193,000 of the poorest people in Gaza and the West Bank as of January 2019. High food insecurity and poverty rates in Gaza contribute to the dire humanitarian situation. Although the recent increase in electricity supply has positively impacted health facilities, there is still a major shortage of essential drugs, including antibiotics and other medical supplies. Movement restrictions on patients seeking medical treatment outside Gaza and access to water also remain critical concerns.

DFID continues to provide assistance in the region, including providing food assistance to the most vulnerable refugees, supporting urgent health needs, preventing the spread of diseases, and improving access to safe water.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12583
Session
2017-19
Related items
Palestinians: Health Services
Monday, 4 February 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Palestinians: Health Services
Monday, 4 February 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Energy Drugs Medical equipment Water Gaza Food aid World Food Programme Public health
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk