20 September 2021- The onset of COVID-19 has further challenged the already exhausted healthcare system in countries of conflict such as Syria. To prevent its collapse, the WHO has unremittingly supported Syria’s healthcare system - whether before the emergence of COVID-19 or since -- by providing supplies and ensuring access to healthcare. Meet some of the Syrian people who found care and treatment in Dana Hospital, one of many receiving WHO’s support to continue functioning.

Originally from Al-Lataminah -- a town in northern Syria’s Hama Governorate -- Abdul Karim Al-Naasan, 73, was displaced to the north of Idlib, in the overcrowded Deir Hassan camps notorious for their lack of healthcare services. When his health weakened noticeably, the elderly man was admitted to one of the region’s isolation centers where he had tested positive for COVID-19 infection.

During his stay at the center, his condition deteriorated further due to severe hypoxia, forcing his transfer to Dana Hospital where he could receive the necessary treatment, including oxygen. There, a specialized medical team closely monitored Abdul Karim’s health and implemented a precise treatment plan until his successful recovery.

Abdul Latif Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud, another 73-year-old, recounted: “I was displaced from Morek. I went to Dana Isolation Center after symptoms appeared 15 days ago. There is no weariness, no worry, thank God, because the staff is always there. I am well.”

“I experienced a problem with my breathing five days ago,” said Khalidiya Hussein Sarhan, 55 years old, “I was taken to the clinic and then to the isolation center located in Dana, where they told me that I was infected with COVID-19. The services are good here and I feel at home. I was given the appropriate treatment and oxygen. I’ve been here for seven days now and I feel fine.”

Also in his 70s, Ahmed Duraii Ramadan was transferred from Al-Quds Hospital after the onset of fatigue: “I was moved to Dana Hospital for isolation once I was diagnosed with COVID-19. I say it in all honestly: I received special treatment for more than 15 days at Dana Hospital and have not found similar care anywhere else. Everyone treats me like a father. Even the food is good. Frankly, I feel very much at home and I thank all those in charge of this great work.”

Located in the conflict zone of northwest Syria, Dana Hospital exists without a Ministry of Health to support or manage it. Furthermore, the hospital operates within a region with scores of nearby Internally Displaced People (IDP) Camps at full capacity and is therefore under tremendous strain to provide healthy conditions for persons of all ages.

The WHO’s support of Dana Hospital allows it to maintain proper operation, saving lives every day in northwest Syria. WHO relies graciously on funding via a multi-donors’ approach from ECHO and USAID to support such Primary Health Centers as Dana Hospital.

For more information, please contact:

Grattan Lynch
Communications Officer
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