In a Comment, 35 public health masters students from Birzeit Univeristy in the oPt appeal for the end of the conflict, saying that occupation prevents development of a health system suitable for the population. The students, represented by Azza Shoaibi, say: "Despite human-rights violations by the occupier, the international community seems to treat our cause with hypocrisy. We witness leaders from developed-world countries reacting to Israel's acts with the justification of Israel's need to protect its 'security'."
They add: "Sustainable and comprehensive development cannot be achieved without control over local resources, including land, water, and natural resources, with existing movement restrictions, and with the cutting up of the country in to enclaves that make it impossible to build a coherent health system."
They also call for development of research capacity, which they say needs and up-to-date health-information system and good quality data. They appeal to the oPt Ministry of Health to take the lead in assuming stewardship of the health system, by cooperating with other health providers , and by establishing guidelines and regulations.
They conclude: "With the help of international friends, and collaborators, we can present ourselves positively to the world. We appeal to our friends around the world to work to remove the isolation of Palestinians, and to keep the oPt connect to the world. We invite you to visit us, to be eye-witnesses to conditions here. We also ask you to ensure your government's aid respects our agenda and causes no harm, and to not fund occupation through your taxes. Health is a universal concept undertood by all. Military occupation, however, is only fully grasped by those who live in occupation. Such visits and other forms of collaboration and alliance building brings us a step closer to affecting change, to making the future ours."
Azza Shoaibi, Birzeit University, Ramallah, oPt. T) +970 2598198317 E) ashoaibi@birzeit.edu
Full Comment: http://press.thelancet.com/optstudents.pdf
Journal
The Lancet