Damascus, Syria – 7 April 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed a generous contribution of US$3.49 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to strengthen emergency health services for millions of people affected by the protracted crisis in Syria. The funding will bolster trauma care, reinforce disease surveillance and outbreak response, and improve access to essential healthcare in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies.

“We are deeply grateful to the Novo Nordisk Foundation for their timely contribution,” said Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria. “This support comes at a pivotal moment and will enable WHO to deliver life-saving health services and reach underserved and vulnerable populations at a time when Syria’s health system is under tremendous strain.”

Despite WHO’s unwavering commitment to ensuring health for all, an urgent funding gap of US$114 million—representing 81% of its Syria appeal—threatens the delivery of life-saving medical assistance.

“Without immediate and sustained engagement from our partners, there is a real risk of further deterioration,” Bethke added. “We urge the international community to reinforce its solidarity with Syria and support the humanitarian health response, ensuring that essential care continues uninterrupted while paving the way for a stronger, more resilient system.”

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The Foundation’s vision is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. Its mission is to advance research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, as well as to promote knowledge and solutions supporting a green transformation of society. www.novonordiskfonden.dk/en

Media contacts:

For WHO:

In Damascus, Syria: Halah Kabash, هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

In Gaziantep, Türkiye: Mrinalini Santhanam, هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.