East Jerusalem –The Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA) and the United Nations Development Programme/ Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) signed an agreement to provide emergency support to Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip. This new two-year project, worth USD 3.4 million, will focus on enhancing the hospital’s resilience and operational capacity.

The ongoing war has devastated Gaza’s health sector, with over 60% of facilities destroyed or inoperable by September 2024, leaving only 17 of 36 hospitals partially functioning. Rising injuries and severe shortages of trauma and essential health supplies have overwhelmed hospitals like Al-Ahli, severely limiting life-saving care. Restricted access for emergency teams further disrupts critical services, including obstetric care, chronic disease management, and infection treatment, while waste accumulation and water contamination heighten health risks for the population.

In response to the unprecedented challenges facing Gaza's health system, this partnership will strengthen access to essential trauma services and enhance Al-Ahli Hospital's capacity to deliver critical healthcare. The project will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO, and the Health Cluster, aligning with both national and international health strategies. It will focus on rehabilitating and operationalizing the ICU and operating rooms, deploying health staff, and building medical staff capacity, while also creating job opportunities for health workers and ensuring the continuity of essential health services in Gaza.

"As the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA), we are deeply humbled and honored to be part of this essential lifeline for Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza," shared Dr. Mustafa Musleh, President of PAMA." This effort, made possible by the unwavering generosity of the Palestinian diaspora and our global supporters, allows us to stand alongside the Diocese of Jerusalem and UNDP, working closely with the Ministry of Health, to bring urgent hope and healing to Gaza at a time when it is needed most. Yet, this project goes beyond immediate relief—it is a promise to Gaza’s people that they are not alone, that we are committed to their resilience and to rebuilding together. PAMA’s mission is driven by the belief that healthcare is a human right and by our profound dedication to serve in times of crisis and in the hard path to recovery. With every act of support, we are not only delivering medical relief and training the next generation of Palestinian healthcare professionals—we are helping to restore the dignity and hope of a community that has endured so much. Let this project be a beacon to inspire the world that through collective compassion and unwavering support, we can bring healing and strength to Gaza for today and for all the days to come." 

“This new and strategic partnership with PAMA comes at a critical time, as Gaza’s health system faces unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing war. The agreement we are signing today reaffirms UNDP/PAPP's continued commitment to the Palestinian people, including as part of the immediate humanitarian response in Gaza to support the emergency needs of the population. The agreement also represents our long-standing support for Gaza’s health sector together with partners, especially through a lens of emergency employment to support the continuation of health services in the context of the emergency response, as well as recovery efforts as soon as possible. said Sarah Poole, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative. 

About PAMA: PAMA was established in 2013 by a group of dedicated Palestinian-American healthcare professionals residing in the United States. Recognizing a crucial gap in the healthcare landscape, PAMA serves as a vital umbrella organization, uniting Palestinian and other healthcare professionals with a shared concern for Palestine. Since its inception, PAMA has actively engaged healthcare professionals across the West Bank, Gaza, and the United States. PAMA’s mission extends beyond borders, fostering collaboration and partnerships between healthcare practitioners and institutions in the U.S. and Palestine. Through strategic alliances with local and international NGOs, PAMA works tirelessly to fulfill its mission. Membership in PAMA is inclusive and open to all healthcare professionals who resonate with its mission. This encompasses physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, and healthcare technology professionals alike. PAMA is committed to advancing healthcare excellence and fostering solidarity in support of Palestine.

About Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital: Founded in 1882, Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, located in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood, is Gaza’s only Christian hospital. It provides critical services to over 31,000 outpatients and 4,200 inpatients annually. The hospital offers a range of medical services, including surgeries, pediatric care, gynecology, and cancer treatment, while also running projects with local organizations to support underprivileged communities. However, the current war has left the hospital in dire need of support to continue its operations.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks.

For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761.  For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org