MoSD Signs Agreement with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society to Strengthen Protection Services
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development today signed a cooperation agreement with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS), with support and funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed at strengthening the protection system for women and girls and ensuring the continuity and development of protection, case management, psychosocial support, and empowerment services. The agreement seeks to improve the quality of services provided, particularly for women and girls who are survivors of violence or at risk of violence.
The signing ceremony was attended by Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection; Mohammad Al-Qarm, Director General of the General Directorate of Family Affairs; and Hiba Jebat, Head of the Gender Unit. Representing the Palestinian Medical Relief Society were Dr. Suhail Aqabneh, Director General; Dr. Jameel Hamad, Jenin Area Director; Dr. Maryam Sawalmeh, Programmes and Projects Coordinator; and Bahia Omrah, Director of External Relations and Projects. Also in attendance were Shruti Ho, Assistant Representative and Programme Manager at the United Nations Population Fund, and Sana Assi, Gender Analyst.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the Ministry and the Society to strengthen protection services for women and girls, ensure the continued operation of the Protection Centre in Jenin Governorate, and provide case management, psychosocial support, awareness-raising, and empowerment services. It also includes capacity-building for staff and the development of service delivery mechanisms. Funded by UNFPA, the agreement provides for the recruitment of 15 staff members, including 13 personnel whose previous contracts had ended to ensure the continuity of protection services, in addition to creating two new positions to support the Protection Centre in Jenin Governorate, without imposing any direct financial obligations on the Ministry of Social Development.
Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief, Dr. Samah Hamad, stated that the agreement represents an important step toward strengthening the social protection system and enhancing services provided to women and girls, particularly survivors of violence. She noted that programmes addressing the protection of women and children are among the most complex and sensitive programmes implemented by the Ministry in light of growing humanitarian and social needs. She stressed that strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and international partners is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the continuity and further development of services, while guaranteeing their accessibility to the most vulnerable groups.
For his part, Dr. Suhail Aqabneh, Director General of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, stated that the agreement reflects the long-standing partnership between the Society and the Ministry of Social Development and contributes to ensuring the continuity of protection and psychosocial support services, particularly in Jenin Governorate. He affirmed that the Society will continue working alongside the Ministry to further develop services and reach those most in need, ensuring a more effective and sustainable response.
Meanwhile, Shruti Ho, Assistant Representative and Programme Manager at UNFPA, reaffirmed the Fund’s continued support for the Ministry of Social Development in strengthening protection services for women and girls. He noted that the agreement’s funding is intended to ensure the continuity of essential services and strengthen the capacities of national institutions. He also highlighted that UNFPA is working to assess and improve services provided through safe spaces for women, contributing to better service distribution and enhanced access for beneficiaries.
The parties affirmed that the agreement marks an important step in strengthening partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, contributing to the development and sustainability of social protection services. They also stressed the importance of continued coordination to ensure that protection, psychosocial support, and empowerment services reach women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
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