WHO warns of dire risk to Palestinian health over aid cuts

JERUSALEM (AFP) — The World Health Organisation warned of dire consquences for Palestinian public health services because of Israeli economic sanctions and threatened cuts in international aid.

"In the worst-case scenario, if needed funds are not received, the Palestinian ministry of health will enter an acute financial crisis," a report unveiled in Jerusalem said.

The report, released to mark World Health Day on Friday, listed the possible consequences of slashed aid from the international community in the wake of Hamas's rise to power, and Israeli sanctions.

It warned that the public health system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip could enter a "rapid decline" and head towards "possible collapse" with 57 percent of all health workers paid by the cash-strapped Palestinian health ministry.

Hundreds of public health clinics would be effected, including up to 252 maternal and paediatric clinics, leading to a drastic reduction of the ...