The Health Cluster was established in oPt in early January 2009 in response to the humanitarian crisis that ensued from the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. Since then it has provided an essential framework for coordination and partnership between the various health actors involved in the humanitarian response in oPt.
Currently, the Health Cluster represents a partnership of over 70 organisations: local and international nongovernmental organisations and UN agencies that are committed to working together to provide needs-driven and evidence-based health and nutrition responses in oPt by increasing synergies between individual cluster partner projects and reducing duplications and redundancies. The Cluster is co-chaired by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to ensure alignment with national policies and plans. The cluster conducts common needs assessments in order to fill gaps and prevent duplications in aid delivery. It is also a forum for emergency preparedness both for armed conflict and natural disasters.
The Health Cluster collectively prepares for and responds to humanitarian and public health emergencies to improve the health outcomes of affected populations through timely, predictable, appropriate and effective coordinated health action.
Five strategic priorities guide the work of the Health Cluster and provide a structure in which to examine our accomplishments and challenges.