PMRS Stands Up and Speaks Out on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Ramallah, 16-10-07: The Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) will mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17 by taking part in a series of activities throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip to highlight the issues of poverty and inequality, as part of the worldwide "Stand Up and Speak Out" campaign.

In line with its wider strategy to support impoverished and marginalised groups and areas in Palestine , PMRS will provide free medical services until the end of October.  Primary heathcare and preventive treatment will be offered through PMRS ' permanent and mobile clinics in 136 locations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the organisation expects to reach some 16,400 people.

A special focus will be placed on women ' s and child healthcare, and services will also include the provision of essential medications and preventive examinations to vulnerable groups, particularly in areas that have been isolated by Israel ' s construction of the Apartheid Wall.

Poverty is pervasive in Palestine , with up to 57 percent of all Palestinians living in poverty (49 percent in the West Bank ; 79 percent in the Gaza Strip).  These high levels of poverty are directly linked to the deleterious effects of Israel ' s ongoing occupation on Palestine ' s economy.  The deterioration of the political and economic situation in the region since September 2000 has also had dire consequences on the health situation in Palestine.

For many Palestinians, even basic health services have been rendered unaffordable.  In the West Bank, tens of thousands have been cut off from health service providers by the Apartheid Wall and by Israel ' s imposition of crippling movement restrictions.  Ambulances are often delayed or turned back at Israeli military checkpoints, leading to avoidable deaths.  At the same time, the stranglehold imposed over Gaza ' s borders has had direct, devastating impacts on levels of poverty and unemployment, and on health.  The entry of essential medications and medical equipment into the Strip has been restricted to an inadequate minimum, while the ability of Gazans to travel abroad to seek lifesaving treatment unavailable in Gaza itself has been blocked.

Stand up and Speak Out is a global campaign to make governments honour their commitments on more and better aid, debt cancellation, trade justice, gender equality and public accountability.  PMRS ' participation in the campaign stems from recognition of the key impact of socio-economic determinants on health in the Palestinian context, and from the organisation ' s strongly-held belief that every woman, man, youth and child has the right to the highest attainable standard health without discrimination of any kind, economic or otherwise.

Please contact: bahia amro: bahia@pmrs.ps