05/23/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/23/2023 11:59
Amman
Today, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) released its 2022 Annual Health Report. Main report findings include provision of 7.86 million health consultations to some 2 million Palestine Refugees across the Agency's five fields of operation, namely Jordan, Lebanon, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Syria and a rise in the incidence of non-communicable diseases in 2022.
In 2022, the UNRWA health programme successfully combated a resurgence of cholera in the Palestine Refugee camps in Lebanon, brought about by the historic economic crisis there, in addition to the Omicron strain of COVID-19. Further, UNRWA health centres in Gaza and the occupied West Bank provided vital health care amid hostilities.
"We take great pride in announcing the release of the 2022 UNRWA Annual Health Report. The UNRWA Department of Health has made significant strides in revitalizing our services, drawing from the valuable lessons learned during the post-COVID era. Despite facing immense challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, cholera outbreak in Syria and Lebanon, regional turbulence and uncertainty, and the UNRWA financial crisis, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to support the health and well-being of Palestine Refugees," said Dr. Akihiro Seita, UNRWA Director of Health.
The Agency's focus on technology was evidenced by significant increased utilization rate for the Non-Communicable Diseases Mobile Application (e-NCD) and the Maternal and Child Health Mobile Application (e-MCH).
Another area of Agency priority is mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). In 2022, screenings found that one out of five HC patients screened at UNRWA health centres required MHPSS follow up. Patients in Gaza had the highest detection rate at 26.4 per cent.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening primary prevention approach through health education and raising awareness of risk factors among Palestine Refugees, UNRWA will continue to explore primary prevention approaches with a special focus on school children from 2023 onwards.
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Notes to Editors