Following the success of mental health tele-sessions by WHO and UOSSM partnership, tele-medicine reaches Northwest Syria
Northwest Syria—24 February 2022: A fruitful partnership between WHO and the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) is further extending its healthcare support to the people of Northwest Syria by initiating a telemedicine consultation service -- the first of its kind in the region -- in collaboration with the Syrian Expatriates Medical Association (SEMA).
Due to the increasing numbers of people suffering from mental health problems in the conflict zone of Northwest Syria, WHO and partner UOSSM began providing mental health tele-support in 2021. To date, over 1025 mental health tele-sessions have been offered to more than 310 patients by four mental health tele-workers and a psychiatrist. The services – available from 9am to 9pm, six days a week – address a growing demand, which has been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.