Five ambulances funded by KSrelief and delivered through WHO to the Ministry of Health in Idlib. Photo: WHO7 September 2025, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic– Five fully equipped ambulances funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) were delivered today by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Ministry of Health in Idlib, boosting lifesaving referral services for thousands of patients.
The ambulances will be deployed to strengthen the referral network operating under the supervision of the Directorate of Health and assigned to the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), an implementing partner within the system, to respond to emergencies and transport patients from primary health centres to hospitals capable of providing advanced care. Fully equipped for urgent cases, the vehicles will help ensure that people in critical condition can access timely and lifesaving care.
Dr. Samer Al-Jutaili, KSrelief official spokesperson, said, “At KSrelief we believe that every life saved is a step towards rebuilding hope and resilience in Syria. These ambulances are more than just vehicles – they are lifelines that ensure timely access to medical care, fostering a healthier, stronger future for all Syrians.”
A KSrelief-branded truck during the transshipment process, carrying five fully equipped ambulances delivered through WHO to the Ministry of Health in Idlib. Photo: WHOWHO is supporting the operation and integration of the ambulances as part of wider efforts to strengthen Syria’s referral system. This includes improving coordination between facilities, training health workers, and ensuring patients reach specialized care without delay. These new ambulances, and the wider referral support around them, mark an important step towards a more integrated and nationally supported health system – one where emergency response and referral pathways are sustained within Syrian institutions.
“These ambulances are not just vehicles – they are a critical link in the chain of survival,” said Rosa Crestani, WHO Emergency Lead for the Gaziantep field office that handles cross-border response. “As Syria moves from emergency response towards early recovery, strengthening referral pathways is essential. With KSrelief’s support, and under the Ministry of Health’s leadership together with a strong network of health partners, we are reinforcing a system that ensures timely emergency care, reduces preventable deaths, and builds the foundations for a more resilient, nationally supported health system.”
The Ministry of Health has set out a clear vision to expand access to care, improve quality, and ensure the health system is better prepared for future challenges. The partnership with KSrelief and WHO directly supports this direction through procurement of essential medicines, operational support for health facilities in Idlib and Aleppo, replacement of damaged equipment, and provision of ambulances. Together, these agreements total US$ 9.49 million and benefit nearly one million people.
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