AUTHOR=Abed Yehia , Shaheen Amira , Abedrabbo Ali 

TITLE=Variations in COVID-19 Spread and Control Measures in the Palestinian Territories

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.736005

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.736005

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Abstract
Palestinians are facing the epidemic while they are the only occupied country globally. Catastrophic situations created a variety in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the different territories.  This study aims to explore variation in COVID-19 spread, risk factors, and intervention activities in the three Palestinian territories: West Bank (WB), East-Jerusalem (EJ), and Gaza Strip (GS)  Epidemiological data regarding COVID-19 were obtained from online websites, Palestinian national reports, WHO reports, and scientific publications. Morbidity and Mortality indicators in Palestine are higher than the global level with rate variation in the three territories. COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates are higher in EJ and lowest in GS, while case fatalities are around 1% all over the country. Social gathering and lack of readiness of the fragmented health systems (there are two systems; Palestinian serve the WB and GS) and Israeli (serves EJ) are risk factors in the three Palestinian territories. The most prominent risk in GS is overcrowding, while the movement of the workers inside Israel and travel is more prevalent in WB and EJ. The WHO and international organizations play an active role in responding to a community spread, mainly National coordination, risk communication and community engagement, laboratory support, surveillance and procurement, and supply management. Recommendations include restructuring the national committees, reviewing and standardization of the national protocols, expanding infections prevention training, supporting and developing laboratories’ capacity, and setting the role of NGOs beside community engagement and participation.