Since UPA was established in 1978, we have addressed two main problems facing the Palestinian healthcare -- a severely underdeveloped health system, and the vagaries of military occupation.

Palestinian medical professionals cannot adequately serve the needs of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and many families cannot afford basic nutritional necessities. The problem is exacerbated in times of increased conflict. Consequently, between 10% and 30% of Palestinian children suffer a detriment to their cognitive development and physical health from malnutrition.

Emergency medical personnel in Palestine face particularly trying conditions. Military occupation and closure prevent medics from reaching patients in need, and they are not afforded universal protections in times of conflict like medics elsewhere. Medical personnel and facilities are sometimes targeted in military strikes. During Israel's 22-day offensive in early 2009, 16 Palestinian medical personnel were killed by Israeli fire and 25 were wounded while performing their duties.

Emergency aid from UPA helps Palestinian medical institutions purchase equipment and supplies with which to save lives. UPA simultaneously attempts to improve the quality of health care through its long-term development projects. These projects focus on upgrading aging medical equipment, funding hospital expansion, promoting preventive health care, and ensuring a steady supply of basic medicines to field hospitals throughout the Territories.

During periods of increased violence, UPA responds as quickly as possible to help local health institutions deal with the high numbers of casualties. Programs are not only geared at providing rapid-response facilities, such as mobile medical clinics, but at protecting medical professionals as they respond. In the midst of Israel's 22-offensive on Gaza in early 2009, UPA was the first relief organization to respond with a grant for emergency water distribution. UPA also rapidly mobilized funds for two separate food parcel distributions, an in-kind medical supplies shipment and provided plastic sheeting for destroyed windows in Gaza.

In all cases, UPA works with Palestinian non-profit, non-governmental organizations whose subsidized care constitutes a medical lifeline for underprivileged families not served by the Palestinian Authority or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Medical non-profits remain popular with poor Palestinians because they provide quality services either free of charge or for a nominal fee. Careful consideration is taken by UPA in selecting NGOs that best provide quality services.

UPA works with grassroots organizations in crisis situations, ensuring that the needs of individuals and small communities are met in the most efficient way.

Support UPA's Health and Emergency Relief Program.