Information and resources for Health Cluster partners
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Hello , we are pleased to share our quarterly newsletter:
Over the past year, the health crisis in Gaza and the West Bank has deepened, with the fragile healthcare system severely dismantled and over 65% of health service points only partially functional. Despite these challenges, 73 Health Cluster partners have scaled up their efforts, tirelessly delivering lifesaving aid—managing trauma, chronic illnesses, and providing primary health care. Their efforts are benefitting over 2.5 million people across the region.
In emergencies and high-risk environments, the Health Cluster is leading efforts to protect vulnerable populations from gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). By incorporating survivor-centered care into health responses and enhancing local capacities, the Health Cluster is strengthening humanitarian efforts worldwide. Initiatives in 21 countries have resulted in the training of 6,600 health workers in the clinical management of rape and intimate partner violence. This work promotes safer and more accountable responses with life-saving impacts on the ground.
Learn how this work is saving lives
In September 2024, WHO launched a Formative Evaluation of the Global Health Cluster. Overall, the evaluation purpose is to determine whether the Global Health Cluster is fit for purpose, make recommendations for improvements, and inform strategic direction. The evaluation will draw lessons for WHO to strengthen its ability to provide systematic, high-quality leadership of the Global Health Cluster in its technical and coordination roles.
The evaluation will take place between September 2024 and June 2025. Key global, regional, and country-level stakeholders—including those from WHO, other UN agencies, and partner organizations—will be invited to actively engage in this process to promote joint learning and accountability. The findings and recommendations from the evaluation will be shared with partners.
The most recent Health Cluster Dashboard as of September 2024 reflects Humanitarian Response Plans. The Health Clusters are targeting 89.1 million people with approximately US$ 3.53 billion in funding requested, of which 33% has been funded. GHC will publish the Q4 Dashboard in early January 2025.
Global Humanitarian Overview 2025
4 December | Geneva
On 4 December 2024, OCHA hosted the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview. The overarching theme of the GHO 2025 launch is "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities. The Global Humanitarian Overview is an annual assessment of global humanitarian needs and how to respond to them. This document provides an analysis of the drivers of needs and an overview of the resources required to support people targeted for assistance. It also provides an account of the humanitarian system’s collective achievements.
The Johns Hopkins CHH-Lancet Commission hosted a webinar on international laws and treaties in humanitarian settings and health. It examined legal standards in conflict settings, the interplay of human rights, armed conflict, and refugee laws, why new treaties may not resolve policy gaps, and ways to improve accountability.
Learn more and watch the webinar.
2024 Health Cluster Forum
16-18 October | Istanbul
The Health Cluster Forum, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 16-18 October 2024, convened Health Cluster Coordinators, WHO regional office representatives, and global health experts to address critical challenges in the health sector and explore opportunities to improve humanitarian health responses in crisis settings. The Forum also focused on how Custers align with WHO at the global, regional, and country levels and tackled thematic issues impacting cluster country operations.
SRH coordination training: Building leadership for Health Clusters
24 to 27 September | Brindisi
The GHC Sexual and Reproductive Health Task Team (SRH-TT) achieved a milestone by hosting its first-ever inter-agency SRH coordination training from 24-27 September, equipping coordinators to lead SRH working groups within national and sub-national Health Clusters. The second training, to be held in French, is set for March 2025 in Dakar, Senegal, with details to follow. Additionally, the SRH-TT conducted a baseline assessment of SRH coordination, producing an executive summary, full report, and policy brief. These resources provide valuable insights, findings, and recommendations, highlighting the need for a collective commitment to strengthen and systematize SRH coordination under the health cluster.
This IASC high-level side event at the Summit of the Future Action Days, brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss aligning global humanitarian action with UN Charter principles. Key issues included rising violence against aid workers, the need for inclusive, multilateral responses, and addressing funding gaps. Recommendations focused on strengthening humanitarian diplomacy, empowering local actors, and ensuring women’s leadership to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses and build resilience
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