Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza Strip: health = development

This paper seeks to identify measures to ameliorate health risks of displaced persons (Palestinian refugees) and to explore the integral relationship between health and development in Palestine. The health status of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is still a source of concern to the newly formed national authority. The health status and socio-economic characteristics of Palestinian refugees are discussed in relation to the major health risks affecting the refugee population. Some measures to ameliorate those risks and to alleviate this burden from the backs of refugees are identified, and the complex relationship between health and development is explored. It is concluded that there is a need for more involvement and participation of refugees themselves in identifying and providing solutions for their problems.