Country Cooperation Strategy for WHO and the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2017–2020

The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) is WHO’s medium-term strategic vision to guide its work in support of a country’s national health policies, strategies and plans and to support a country’s development efforts within the Sustainable Development Agenda. The CCS forms the basis for the formulation of WHO’s biennial country work plans with the Ministry of Health, and functions as a tool for harmonizing cooperation with partner United Nations (UN) organizations.

The health of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory has been uniquely affected by occupation by Israel, which has been ongoing since 1967. Health concerns relate not only to the direct effects of conflict and military action but also to the impact of the occupation on human security, well-being and the wider determinants of health. Periodic escalations of violence especially affect the Gaza Strip, and geographical fragmentation and restrictive policies further compound public health risks and constrain opportunities for development. In addition to the health consequences of the occupation and frequent bouts of violence, the Palestinian people face the challenge of a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, similar to neighbouring countries.

This current CCS, covering 2017–2020, shares similarities and maintains continuity with the previous strategic agenda developed for 2009–2013. The gap between the two strategic cycles results from the urgent response to the severe humanitarian needs caused by the Gaza conflict in 2014 and the decision to harmonize the new strategy and planning cycle with those of the government and the UN.