Territory
18 May 2007
South Africa makes a commitment to the World Health Assembly in Geneva to
help find a lasting solution to meet the health needs of the Palestinian
people. The 60th World Health Assembly in Geneva adopted a resolution for
reasonable actions to be taken by different parties to ensure the proper
exercise of the fundamental human right of access to healthcare by the
Palestinian People.
The adoption followed a debate after a report on the health conditions in
the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, was tabled for
discussion to the Assembly.
Supporting the resolution, Acting Minister of Health Jeff Radebe told the
Assembly that South Africa was poised to actively contribute to the work of the
World Health Organisation (WHO) through the Consolidated Appeals Process, to
alleviate widespread humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
"Our Parliament is about to finalise proposals on measures we as a country
will take to support this Appeal Process. We stand firmly by our commitments to
uphold the dignity of the people of Palestine and the people of Israel - the
right of both sides to live in peace and security," Minister Radebe, said.
The report highlighted that the health sector in the occupied Palestinian
territory was facing a major disaster because of the financial blockade imposed
on the Palestinian people by donor countries and Israel, following the
legislative elections in the territories of the Palestinian Authority since the
beginning of April 2007.
The report stated that the Palestinian Territory was experiencing
interruptions of primary healthcare, closures of emergency hospital services,
and lack of medicines for patients with chronic diseases. The report urged the
international community, humanitarian and human rights organisations to assist
the Palestinian people to cope with the international blockade imposed upon
them.
Minister Radebe told the Assembly that South Africa was very concerned that
the prevailing situation in Palestine had led to a serious lack of
accessibility and availability of quality primary healthcare services.
"We learnt with shock that patients have difficulty in reaching healthcare
facilities, while healthcare providers face logistical, financial, and
professional constraints to properly treat patients, especially those with
chronic conditions, and that the overall nutritional status of children between
6 and 59 months, and women of childbearing age has declined to alarming rates,"
Minister Radebe, said.
"Whatever views any one of us hold about the circumstances that have led to
the current crisis in Palestine, whatever our views are on the political
solutions to the Palestinian question, we must all agree that the people of
Palestine, especially women and children, and people who suffer from chronic
illnesses, must be guaranteed access to healthcare, including proper diagnosis
and treatment," he added.
Cabinet (South Africa) during its ordinary meeting in Cape Town on 16 May
2007 noted the widespread humanitarian crisis facing the people in Palestine,
particularly women and children. The meeting noted that WHO had warned that
basic services and essential public healthcare might be severely disrupted as a
result of the freeze on funding to the Palestinian Authority. The meeting
decided that the South African Government will contribute R1 000 000 to
Palestine for the purchase of urgently required medicines and other medical
supplies. The Government will be considering other forms of assistance with a
view to reducing the burden on the Palestinian people.
Enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Cell: 083 679 7424
Issued by Department of Health
18 May 2007
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za/)
