Palestine refugees are especially vulnerable as they are a socially disadvantaged group whose lives have been conditioned for generations by social, political and economic forces well beyond their control. UNRWA has been providing health care for  Palestine refugees in the Near East for over 6 decades. Today, a rapidly growing population of 5.4 million Palestine refugees is eligible for UNRWA services in the Near East. In keeping with the global advancements in disease prevention and  life expectancy, the Palestine refugee populations have also aged,  comprising of a larger elderly population and of people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These demographic changes are placing an added  economic burden on many families already suffering from generalized poverty and unemployment.
The population of Palestine refugees residing in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is estimated to be around 2.2 million. This population in particular is vulnerable to as well as suffers from the long-term deleterious health effects of  socio-economic hardship. This is due in large part to the current closure regime which effectively restricts the movement of people and goods in and around the areas.
This grant contributes to the UNRWA health program for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East and is specifically earmarked towards the 2014 health program for Palestinian Refugees in Gaza and the West Bank. The overall goal of the health program  is to enable Palestinian refugees to live long and healthy lives in Gaza & the West Bank. The strategic objectives are: 1. ensuring universal access to quality comprehensive primary health care; 2. protecting and promoting family health; 3.  preventing and controling diseases. 
The results which the program aims to achieve include:Improved rational use of drugs ; Ensure adequate and timely availability of essential medicines and supplies; Improve maternal and child health outcomes.