Starting from 2023, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) will receive €9 million over three years from the Government of Austria for its Health Program. The program covers the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and provides essential health services to Palestine refugees. The new multi-year agreement was signed by the two parties and announced in a press release by UNRWA.
The agreement was announced in a press release by UNRWA on Wednesday, which stated that the contribution will enable the Agency to continue providing vital health services to around 145,000 Palestine refugees every year, including maternal and child health care, the treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases, medication and psychosocial support.
The Acting Head of the Austrian Representative Office in Ramallah, Oliver Walter, said that the agreement was “another decisive milestone in our long-standing cooperation with the most important international agency in the region” and that it “clearly demonstrates Austria’s commitment to support Palestine refugees, particularly in the crucial health sector”.
He added that the multi-year agreement will allow UNRWA more predictable financial planning and help the Agency cope with its financial challenges.
The UNRWA Director of Communications, Juliette Touma, expressed gratitude to Austria for being “a strong supporter of Palestine refugees and the Agency” and for continuing to seek sustainable, predictable funding.
She said that the contribution will help improve the health and well-being of Palestine refugees, especially women of reproductive age, children and people with chronic diseases.
According to the press release, Austria has already contributed €400,000 to the UNRWA Program Budget and €1 million to the Syria Emergency Appeal this year. To date, Austria has provided €4.4 million in 2023 to the Agency.
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