Closure of the Mediators Program Aiding Negev Bedouin Communities
- ACRI
- Dec 15, 2025
- 2 min read
On December 15, 2025, ACRI, together with Itach-Maaki and Physicians for Human Rights, sent an appeal to the Ministry of Health regarding the mediators program operated through the Ministry of Health, via a contractor, at 26 Tipat Halav (well-baby) clinics in Bedouin communities in the Negev. The program's purpose is to reduce infant mortality in Bedouin society: mediators translate and make medical information accessible to Bedouin women at the clinics; accompany women and families to appointments; and conduct workshops and lectures on various topics such as infant mortality, nutrition, vaccinations, and more. The program has been operating for many years, and was recognized by the Ministry of Health as a successful and effective program that should be preserved and continued. Nevertheless, due to budgetary issues , the Ministry of Health decided to cut the program, and on November 30, 2025, all of the program’s activities ceased.
The appeal emphasizes the vital role of the mediators, and that the cancellation of the program has left communities without vital services. The cessation of mediation services violates the fundamental rights of mothers and children to health, personal security, and life and widens the existing health gaps between Bedouin society and the rest of the population. The harm done is exacerbated by the fact that there is a significant shortage of Tipat Halav clinics in Bedouin communities, as well as the high rate of infant mortality among Arabs living in the Southern District (although it has decreased slightly in the last decade, it nonetheless remains high and is about four times the rate of infant mortality among the Jewish population).
The appeal also states that the Ministry of Health's claim that the program was closed due to budgetary constraints is puzzling in light of the decision to divert nine million shekels from the health budget of the five-year plan that was designated for Bedouin society to fund a police unit that deals with construction without permits in the Negev. This is yet another indication that the decision to close the mediation program was made on the basis of considerations that are unrelated to the health of the Bedouin public.
Appeal from the organizations, December 15, 2025 (Heb)
