Gaza, 8 November 2022 – Gaza’s first emergency operation centre (EOC), established by WHO under the leadership of the Gaza Ministry of Health, was inaugurated today. The inauguration was attended by Dr Yousef Abu-Al Rish, Gaza’s Deputy Minister of Health and Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, along with health experts from Gaza.

The EOC will provide an essential platform for strengthening multisectoral coordination and planning by experts and key stakeholders for public health emergencies, in line with the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR).

“The inauguration of the EOC is a huge step in enhancing Gaza’s preparedness and response capacity against public health risks and emergencies. It will substantially improve data-sharing and analysis to drive evidence-based decision-making and inform mitigation and response activities,” said Dr Abu-Al Rish.