Strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in West Bank and Gaza

The project aims to address critical gaps in surveillance, laboratory capacity, and human resources/governance/multi-sector coordination to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) in the West Bank and Gaza.

Implementation and key components

The Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in West Bank and Gaza Project will be overseen by a PPR Steering Committee led by the Ministry of Health (MOH). This committee will include key partners, including civil society organizations (CSOs). The four Implementing Entities (IEs) will report progress to the Steering Committee and support a unified monitoring and evaluation system, featuring a joint mid-term review and end-term evaluation.

The grant will support activities across five key areas:

Developing surveillance capacities
Enhancing electronic surveillance systems for both human and animal health through the development of action plans, technical guidance, and standard operating procedures. This includes procuring and installing equipment, upgrading disease notification applications, and preparing for outbreak scenarios (FAO, WHO, World Bank).

Building laboratory capacity
Developing diagnostic testing strategies, refurbishing national health and veterinary laboratories, and implementing biosafety and biosecurity measures. Activities include procuring equipment and supplies, and supporting laboratory accreditation (FAO, WHO, World Bank).

Strengthening outbreak response mobilization
Improving vaccine stock management, closing gaps in the cold chain, and procuring personal protective equipment (PPE). The project will also update procedures for prepositioned stocks and develop cross-sectoral risk communication plans (UNICEF, World Bank).

Increasing workforce capacities
Providing competency-based training and continuing education for laboratory staff, healthcare workers, veterinarians, para-vets, and other relevant personnel in health, veterinary, and environmental sectors (all).

Strengthening intersectoral collaboration
Establishing a One Health strategy and cross-sectoral platform. This includes promoting the One Health approach through outreach and public awareness campaigns (all).

Expected outcomes

The project is designed to reduce the health, social, and economic impacts of pandemics in the West Bank and Gaza by addressing critical PPR gaps. Expected outcomes include:

• A 20 percent improvement in SPAR and PVS scores by the end of the three-year project.
• Enhanced capacity for disease detection and response through improved surveillance and laboratory systems.
• Strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration using the One Health approach.
• Increased readiness for outbreak response, with better coordination across sectors and incentivized additional PPR investments.

These improvements aim to boost the overall effectiveness of pandemic preparedness and response in the region.