(23 January 2018) The signing of the technical agreement between Italy and the World Health Organization took place yesterday at the Italian Consulate in Jerusalem, for a new development project in favour of the Palestinian Territories. The universal health coverage in the West Bank and Gaza is the general objective to resolve the endemic problems of Palestinian health, caused by Israeli occupation, lasting conflict, and a progressive deterioration of the socio-economic conditions. With the decisive partnership of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the project will improve the available medical services and the ability of the Ministry to maintain high quality standards, focusing on mental health deficiencies, neonatal care and the way vulnerable patients are transferred. "We are grateful to the Italian Cooperation for their support, it will help us to improve the Palestinian health system on the way to universal health coverage. This project perfectly complements other activities of the WHO and the Palestinian Ministry in both the West Bank and Gaza," said Gerald Rockenschaub, WHO representative in the West Bank and Gaza.