21 January 2020 – WHO welcomes a new contribution of $3 million from the Russian Federation to support the provision of health care services for vulnerable people in the Syrian governorates of Dar'a, Deir-ez-Zor, Homs and Qunitera.

“We are extremely grateful for Russia’s generous contribution which has come as a major step towards reviving the availability of health care services to all people in need,” said Dr Nima Abid, acting WHO Representative in Syria. "Restoring the provision of health care services is a key building block for encouraging the return of displaced people, and enhancing peace and social protection,” Dr Abid added.

With this generous donation, WHO will strengthen public health care services for more than 1.1 million people living in the north-western, north-eastern and south-western governorates, where health infrastructure has been devastated by heavy fighting and the provision of primary health care services remains highly challenging. Many health care facilities in these areas have been forced to close because of damage to infrastructure, shortages in health staff, and limited medical supplies.

With support from the Russian Federation, WHO will scale up its efforts to improve primary health care and outreach health services, including mental health care services for survivors of gender-based violence, reproductive health services, and enhancing the national health information system at primary and secondary health care levels.

The funding will enable WHO to rehabilitate and equip 8 health facilities providing public and specialized health services in areas where the resumption of basic health care services will have the greatest life-saving impact, as well as facilities that receive patients from other parts of Syria. Access to essential health care services will be provided through the deployment of 15 mobile medical teams in severely affected areas to address the health needs of vulnerable and displaced populations.