Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip

This article explores adolescents’ access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. It draws on mixed methods research in the Gaza Strip conducted in 2016 and 2017 as part of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence research programme.

The findings underscore that gender norms – especially those pertaining to adolescent girls’ sexual purity – shape adolescent health in multiple ways. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care.

The article highlights the importance of designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information and promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents.

Suggested citation

Abu Hamad, B., Jones, N. and Gercama, I. (2021) 'Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip.' Conflict and Health 15, 40. (https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-021-00379-0)