# Mapping stakeholders, services, data, and the information system for adolescent health in the West Bank

## TL;DR

This study maps adolescent health services and stakeholders in the West Bank to improve coordination and data collection for better healthcare delivery.

## Contribution

The first comprehensive mapping of adolescent health services and stakeholders in the West Bank.

## Key findings

- Governmental providers, NGOs, and private entities deliver adolescent health services through various channels like schools and youth centers.
- The health information system is fragmented, with inconsistent data collection and reliance on population-based surveys.
- Youth centers and schools play key roles in health promotion, and there is a need for updated indicators and integrated data systems.

## Abstract

Adolescent health plays a crucial role in shaping lifelong well-being, yet significant gaps exist in addressing adolescent health needs. In conflict-affected regions like the West Bank, fragmented service delivery, inconsistent data collection, and lack of coordination between providers undermine the effectiveness of health services. An efficient health information system ensures accurate data collection, stakeholder integration, and evidence-based decision-making. This study aims to map the landscape of available adolescent health services in the West Bank, clarify the key service providers, determine the existing data sources, and describe the health information system supporting adolescent health.

This study utilized a comprehensive landscape analysis to assess adolescent health services in the West Bank. Stakeholder mapping and interviews identified key stakeholders and assessed their roles in service delivery and the health information system. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided informed consent. Data were collected from different healthcare organizations, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private facilities. Thematic analysis was performed on interview data, and geospatial analysis was used to visualize the distribution of services and providers across 11 governorates using ArcMap 10.5.

Governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private entities were the predominant providers of adolescent health services in the West Bank. These services were primarily delivered through healthcare facilities, educational institutions, youth centers, and select population-based programs, including vaccination initiatives and the 121 hotline, which provides free psychological support to victims of violence. The adolescent health information system in the West Bank was fragmented, with inconsistent data collection across providers. Governmental, NGO, and private sector organizations use different data systems. Each type of provider used population-based surveys as the primary source of health data. However, there were limitations in the availability of routine data.

This study represents the first comprehensive mapping of adolescent stakeholders and services in the West Bank. Identifying the existing services accessible to adolescents and their providers establishes a foundation for developing target policies and programs that address the current gap and needs of adolescents in the West Bank.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-025-01991-6.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, characterized by conflict, a surge of humanitarian organizations has put pressure on the existing strained health system, leading to deficiencies in data consistency and coordination. With nearly 50% of the population under 18, understanding adolescent health needs and tailoring services become imperative. This study aims to map the landscape of adolescent health in the West Bank, exploring provider types, geographic distribution and services offered, and the health information system. Results show that governmental providers predominantly focus on adolescent health services, such as reproductive and mental health services. Youth centers and schools play pivotal roles in health promotion. This research underscores the need for robust health information systems to address adolescent health needs effectively and to provide more coordinated information for measurement and planning purposes. Surveys, particularly population-based ones, are the primary source of adolescent health data. International priorities heavily influence funding decisions, while national priorities have emerged, exemplified by the creation of the Palestinian Adolescent Health Coalition and the Department of School and Adolescent and Youth Health. Challenges include data integration and a need for updated indicators. The study highlights the importance of a comprehensive health information system for effective adolescent healthcare delivery, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-025-01991-6.