Background: In 1994, the Palestinian Health Authority took over
responsibility for primary health care (PHC) in Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Objectives: This paper reports on the Palestinian National Strategic Health Plan
(PNSHP 1999–2003). The extent to which the PHC objectives were achieved is
discussed, together with areas that still require improvement.
Methods: This descriptive study used content analysis with a retrospective review
of data gathered from the PNSHP and other related reports and publications.
Results: The crude death rate and total fertility rate had improved, but the infant
mortality rate had increased by the end of the study period. Heart diseases were the
primary cause of death in Palestine. Acceptable vaccination coverage had mainly
been achieved, particularly for tetanus, diphtheria, measles and polio. There were
still concerns regarding water supply and other sanitary conditions, a notable
increase in the incidence of vector-borne diseases, especially cutaneous Leishmaniasis
in West Bank, and mental health had worsened by the end of the study period.
Conclusions: Certain health promotion and environmental health actions should be
undertaken urgently by the Palestinian health care services to cope with
environmental and sanitary conditions, and to further improve health status
regarding communicable and non-communicable diseases in Palestinians. Health
research and surveys are insufficient and should be undertaken regularly. The main
barrier to the success of the PNSHP was the lack of follow-up due to political and
socio-economic instability. There is an urgent need for international intervention
and support