National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza 2014-2017_FINAL...

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The National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza 2014
SECTION 3: GAZA RAPID ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES AND NEEDS
3.1.2 Health and Psychosocial Well-Being
Prior to the Assault
Even before the latest assault, health services in Gaza were strained by a rapidly increasing population, financial constraints, and
scarcity of medical supplies. Medical equipment experienced frequent breakdowns caused by power interruptions and water
impurities, among other factors. Most existing health facilities were in need of rehabilitation and upgrading in order to ensure
quality services and meet the needs of a growing population.
Impact of the Assault
Over half of Gaza’s hospitals and clinics are affected. Fifteen of 32 hospitals are damaged, with three of them closed. Fortyfive
of 97 primary health care clinics in Gaza are damaged (with four completely destroyed) and 17 are closed, along with
two psychiatric clinics and the only rehabilitation center in Gaza. Twenty-five ambulances were destroyed or damaged. Health
workers have also suffered seriously: 23 have died and 83 were injured during attacks on ambulances and hospitals.
The current crisis has illuminated the dramatic
effects of the massive shortage in the availability of
medical supplies and services. In the aftermath of
the assault, health services will be in exponentially
greater demand, resulting from the large number of
injuries, increased public health risks, and massive
psychological trauma.
Details of the losses suffered by private and NGO health
facilities are not yet known (apart from the destruction
of Al-Wafa Hospital, the only rehabilitation hospital in
Gaza, counted above), but high reconstruction and
re-equipping costs are assumed.
Given the high number of children injured and the relative youth of Gaza residents, the cumulative psychological and physical
impact of this and previous assaults represents a serious and long-term responsibility for the health system. Newly injured patients
were released prematurely to relieve pressure on hospital services and will require follow-up and further treatment. Over 40,000
pregnant women cannot access antenatal care, which puts their unborn children at risk. The UN estimates that 373,000 children
will need direct and specialized psychological counseling, while all students will require some form of psychological assistance.
3.1.3 Education
Prior to the Assault
Education in Gaza has long been characterized by overcrowding and unsafe conditions (approximately 37.3 students per class).
The 2008 assault resulted in 217 schools and 60 kindergartens being damaged, including 18 facilities damaged beyond repair: the
ongoing blockade has prevented the urgently needed reconstruction of damaged schools and construction of new ones. The
annual increase of students in Gaza is nearly four percent (approximately 10,000 new students) and 79 percent of Governmental
schools and 88 percent of UNRWA schools operate on a double shift system. In 2012, the UN found that 200 additional schools
were needed and another 190 schools would be needed by 2020.
Impact of the Assault
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) started the school year on September 14, three weeks later than
the scheduled August 24. However, damage is widespread and severe in the primary and secondary education sector across