In a fourth and final Comment, Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton says: "When we published our report in 2009, one key message was that, 'Hope for improving the health and quality of life of Palestinians will exist only once people recognize that the structural and political conditions that they endure in the occupied Palestinian territory are the key determinants of population health'. That conclusion remains as true today as it did 18 months ago, despite attempts to re-energise negotiations for peace and justice in the region."
He adds: "We are not naïve enough to believe that medical and public health research alone can transform what at times can appear to be intractable political paralysis. But we do believe that regular investigations into the health of the Palestinian people can focus an international spotlight on a critical, but hidden, dimension of the Palestinian situation, providing new and compelling reasons to bring political leaders together to devise long-term solutions to the many and varied health injustices that Palestinian people face."
Dr Horton concludes that progress on health in the oPt will be tracked by annual research-based meetings of The Lancet-Palestinian Health Alliance.
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Full Comment: http://press.thelancet.com/opthorton.pdf
Journal
The Lancet