17 March 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – On the 14th anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict, WHO is calling for predictable, multi-year funding to sustain critical humanitarian health services and enable a stable transition towards recovery and national unity.
Continued instability threatens essential health care delivery at a time when nearly 15.8 million people require urgent health assistance. Only 57% of Syria’s hospitals, and just 37% of primary health care centres, are fully operational. Shortages of medical supplies, outdated equipment and damaged infrastructure continue to strain services. Many hospitals operate at minimal capacity or close due to funding shortfalls.. Across northwest and northeast Syria, 246 health facilities are at risk of imminent closure due to lack of funds.
Three out of four people in Syria rely on humanitarian aid and require urgent development assistance. Malnutrition rates have tripled in the past 4 years, placing Syria among the world’s top 10 hunger-affected countries.
“Keeping humanitarian health services running is essential as Syria moves towards recovery. Any break in humanitarian aid could deepen vulnerabilities and leave more people without care,” says Acting WHO Representative in Syria Christina Bethke.
“The transition presents an opportunity to rebuild, but it must be managed carefully. WHO remains committed to supporting Syria, working closely with the Ministry of Health and health partners.”
With up to 70% of Syria’s health workforce having left the country, WHO stresses that rebuilding healthcare capacity is essential. “Investing in medical training, upskilling, and education programmes is critical to restoring the workforce and ensuring sustainable health services,” Bethke added.
To sustain essential health services, strengthen emergency response, enhance disease surveillance and rebuild a resilient health system, WHO requires US$ 141.5 million in 2025, including a US$ 56.4 million emergency flash appeal. With an 81% funding gap, urgent support is needed to prevent further deterioration.
On 17 March, the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria will convene to mobilize global support and resources for the country’s transition. Ahead of the conference, WHO calls for a well-managed shift from humanitarian aid to long-term recovery, greater investment in rebuilding Syria’s health workforce and predictable, multi-year funding to ensure continuity of care and stability.
Media contacts:
For WHO:
In Damascus, Syria: Halah Kabash,
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In Gaziantep, Türkiye: Mrinalini Santhanam,
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