Paediatric Surgery Access (PSA), Children Relief Bethlehem (CRB)
This project strengthens the healthcare system for children in the West Bank. It enhances access to paediatric services by supporting infrastructure development and capacity-building efforts at the Caritas Baby Hospital. In close coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, this intervention will complement the local health care system – and raise awareness of paediatric healthcare needs in the occupied Palestinian territory.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupied Palestinian Territory |
Health
Basic health infrastructure
Primary health care |
15.01.2025
- 15.01.2027 |
CHF 1’776’410
|
- Children Relief Bethlehem (CRB) in Bethlehem
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
HEALTH
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Basic health infrastructure
Basic health care
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F12400
| Background | The Palestinian healthcare system in the West Bank faces significant challenges, including underfunding, weak infrastructure, and movement restrictions. Paediatric services are particularly strained, with short-ages of essential medications, medical staff, and hospital capacity. Since 7 October 2023, the situation has worsened, compounded by an ongoing fiscal crisis and weakened health governance. Additionally, Israel’s increased movement restrictions and over 600 attacks targeting healthcare facilities in the West Bank have further exacerbated the crisis. Hospitals are operating below capacity, with essential services like neonatal care or surgeries disrupted. Many treatments for children rely on referrals to facilities in East Jerusalem or Israel, but the restrictive Israeli permit regime obstructs access. With children under 18 making up over 40% of the West Bank population, the lack of specialised paediatric services leaves many vulnerable to preventable complications. Strengthening paediatric services, infrastructure, and skilled personnel is therefore crucial. Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem remains the only specialised children’s hospital in the West Bank, serving approximately one million people in the southern governorates. Investing in its infrastructure and service provision is vital for improving access to quality healthcare for children. |
| Objectives | Improve access to qualified, inclusive, and comprehensive paediatric healthcare services for children in the West Bank. |
| Target groups |
Direct: • Babies and children up to the age of 18 who receive high-quality medical care, regardless of their social background or religion. Indirect: Families in the West Bank, particularly in the southern governorates, who will benefit from improved paediatric healthcare services and enhanced healthcare system capacity in Bethlehem. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Children in the West Bank experience improved health outcomes due to enhanced access to specialised paediatric services. Paediatric day surgery staff with strengthened skills deliver improved healthcare services. Communities actively engage in paediatric healthcare, leading to increased service utilisation and better health practices. |
| Results |
Expected results: • Output 1.1: A new Paediatric Surgery Unit (PSU) with two surgery rooms, a recovery room of 5 beds (including 2 ICU beds) is constructed. • Output 1.2: Three service contracts for construction and finishing are signed and licenses from relevant authorities are obtained. • Output 1.3: 92 pieces of medical equipment are purchased and installed. • Output 2.1: A needs assessment and PSU operational plan is developed, and three surgical policies are prepared. • Output 2.2: 20 CBH nursing, medical, and support staff teams are trained locally and internationally on paediatric surgery needs. • Output 2.3: A hospital information system (HIS) module is purchased and fully operational. • Output 3.1: 50 mothers are supported through individual sessions and guidance towards their children’s conditions. • Output 3.2: Twelve knowledge and advocacy products are developed (one social media campaign, three videos, three TV ads, and five billboards). Results from previous phases: In 2008, the SDC made a contribution to Children’s Relief Bethlehem, the organisation responsible for the Caritas Baby Hospital, to cover the costs of new outpatients’ clinics. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO |
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
• 7F-09403.02 Support to Village Councils WB – (Phase II) • 7F-11700.01 Access to Mental Health Care in the West Bank (Médecins du Monde – Switzerland MDM-CH) • SRO support in policy dialogue |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1’776’410 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’142’310 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 6’068’686 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 1’776’410 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 15.01.2025 - 15.01.2027 (Current phase) |
