09 March, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – Severe acute malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Syria, particularly among children under five. Timely identification and proper treatment are essential to reduce mortality and prevent long-term complications.

A trainer delivers a session during the TOT on WHO's new guidelines on managing severe acute malnutrition with complications. Photo credit: WHO

More than 50 health workers from across Syria recently participated in a training-of-trainers workshop on managing severe acute malnutrition with complications. The workshop, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by the European Union (EU) through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), aims to prepare national trainers who can cascade life-saving knowledge and skills to hospital staff nationwide.

د. هالة داود، مديرة برنامج التّغذية في وزارة الصّحّة، خلال إحدى الجلسات.

Dr. Hala Dawoud, Director of the Nutrition Program at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that strengthening hospital capacity directly benefits children’s health: “Updating and reinforcing the national guidelines improves the care children receive and enhances the national nutrition program, particularly for those with severe acute malnutrition and complications.”

Participants engage with the trainer at one of the sessions. Photo credit: WHO

The training focuses on unifying treatment practices across governorates to ensure all hospitals follow standardized protocols. “By establishing a unified protocol, medical staff across Syria can provide consistent, high-quality care to children with acute malnutrition,” said Bassam Shahadeh, Nutrition Program Coordinator in Quneitra Governorate.

Dr Mahmoud Bouz, Nutrition and Child Health Program Officer at WHO Syria, during one of the sessions.

Dr. Mahmoud Bouzo, Nutrition and Child Health Program Officer at WHO Syria, described the training as a critical step forward. “This training provides life-saving care for children at high risk who suffer from severe acute malnutrition with complications such as diarrhea, dehydration, pneumonia, or meningitis,” he said. “It ensures that medical staff are equipped to manage these cases effectively, following updated WHO protocols.”

As trained health professionals return to their hospitals and communities, they apply strengthened technical knowledge and practical skills to improve the quality of care provided to vulnerable children.

WHO, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and with continued support from the European Union, remains committed to strengthening Syria’s health system and supporting national efforts to address malnutrition. Through investments in capacity-building and essential health services, this support contributes to improving health outcomes and enhancing resilience for communities across the country.

25 February 2026, Damascus, Syria – The European Union (EU) announced today EUR 8 million in new funding to strengthen Syria’s primary health care system and advance national health sector recovery, including EUR 1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) and EUR 7 million to the Italian non-governmental organization, Un Ponte Per (UPP).

Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the European Union, WHO, Un Ponte Per (UPP) and partners pose for a group photo following the launch of the EU-funded primary health care initiative in Damascus, 25 February 2026

The EU-funded initiative aims to improve access to quality, people-centred primary health care services while reinforcing national systems and implementation capacity. By combining policy and institutional strengthening with service delivery support at community level, the project contributes to Syria’s transition from emergency response towards recovery and longer-term health system strengthening.

Through its component of the project, WHO will work with the Syrian Ministry of Health and national institutions to strengthen primary health care in practical, Ministry-led ways. The support will help put the national primary health care action plan into action, build leadership and management capacity for those running services, strengthen the role of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Health Training (CSSHT), and support stronger hospital management. Better-run hospitals are paramount to safer and more reliable care. The project will also advance the Family Health approach, strengthen the link between primary health care and mental health and psychosocial support, and improve communication and community engagement so people understand and trust the services available to them. Overall, the project will support training for around 680 people, strengthening both the health workforce and the institutions that make primary health care work.

UPP intervention aims to complement the Ministry of Health efforts in restoring the primary health care system at area level across conflict-affected and underserved regions in Syria (Safira district and Tel Damman sub-district in Aleppo Governorate), through a comprehensive, patient-centred and area-based approach that supports safe and integrated service delivery in 22 Primary Health Care centres, health workforce development and retention, and effective local health governance. It is designed to reach the vulnerable populations in the most underserved areas in Aleppo Governorate, address systemic health system gaps, and reinforce national-local coordination and health systems integration, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and in coordination with WHO and other relevant actors both at central and at regional level.

H.E. Dr Musab Al-Ali, Minister of Health, addresses participants during the launch of the EU-supported primary health care and health system recovery initiative in Damascus, 25 February 2026.

H.E. Dr. Musab Al-Ali, Minister of Health, said, “Primary health care is the foundation of a just health system, and our vision is based on providing integrated services that put people at the centre of attention. By integrating mental health and promoting community care, to ensure we achieve universal health coverage and build a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Michael Ohnmacht, Chargé d’affaires of the EU Delegation to Syria, speaks at the launch of the EU-supported primary health care and health system recovery initiative in Damascus, 25 February 2026. 

Mr. Michael Ohnmacht, Chargé d’affaires of EU Delegation to Syria, said, “The two projects implemented by WHO and UPP, developed in partnership and with the Ministry’s guidance, directly support Syria's national health priorities and strategy. By working with WHO on systemic reform and UPP on local service delivery, we are ensuring that robust national governance translates into quality healthcare for the communities that need it most. However, for this progress to endure, the EU’s investment must be matched by the Ministry’s continued stewardship and financial commitment, especially to its workforce and essential supplies, building a resilient health system truly rooted in national sovereignty.”

Dr Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative to Syria, said, “Primary health care is where most people first seek help – and it is the foundation for health services people can trust. With EU support, and in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, this programme will strengthen primary health care in practical ways, support better hospital management, and help translate national plans into real improvements in care for people across Syria.”

The projects will be implemented in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, reinforcing national leadership in planning, implementation, and oversight, and ensuring alignment with Syria’s national health strategy and primary health care reform agenda.

For more information please contact:

Zeinoun Joy
Communication and Press Officer, EUD to Syria
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Mrinalini Santhanam
Communications Officer, WHO Syria
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Cecilia Dalla Negra
Communication Manager, UPP
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24 February 2026, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic – Every day, Homs University Hospital receives thousands of people seeking urgent care. From emergency trauma cases to patients managing chronic diseases, the hospital operates at full capacity, serving both the city and surrounding rural communities.

Dr Fahd Shreibati, Director General of Homs Hospital, explains how the new medications and emergency kits are improving health care. Photo credit: WHO

In a health system still recovering from years of strain, ensuring the availability of medicines and emergency supplies can mean the difference between delay and survival.

In Homs Governorate, recent support has enabled the delivery of more than one ton of essential medicines, medical supplies, and trauma and emergency surgical kits to Homs University Hospital. Each month, more than 58 000 patients rely on the hospital’s emergency, outpatient, laboratory, imaging and surgical services.

Dr Shreibati checking on the health situation of a young girl in Homs University Hospital. Photo credit: WHO

Dr Fahd Shreibati, Director General of Homs University Hospital, has witnessed firsthand how shortages affect care. “The situation in the past was very challenging,” he says. “At times, we faced gaps in critical medicines and supplies. With recent support, we are better able to manage urgent cases and ensure patients receive timely treatment.”

The emergency and surgical kits have strengthened the hospital’s capacity to respond to trauma and complex cases, while the shipment of medicines for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes helps patients maintain continuity of care.

Rahaf Ibrahim, a pharmacist at the hospital, explains the impact from inside the pharmacy. “We received medicines for chronic diseases, as well as trauma and emergency kits,” she says. “These supplies are essential, especially in emergencies when every minute matters. When medicines are available, we can focus on patient care rather than worrying about shortages.”

Pharmacist Rahaf, following up with a patient and provides her with the medicines she needs. Photo credit: WHO

Despite improvements, needs remain significant. “There is still a strong demand for medicines, medical supplies and diagnostic equipment,” Dr Shreibati notes. “With the growing number of patients, continued support is very important to sustain services.”

A nurse tests a patient's pulse and follows up with the needed health services at Homs University Hospital. Photo credit: WHO

The Ministry of Health continues to lead efforts to maintain essential health services across the country. The World Health Organization supports these efforts through technical assistance and the delivery of priority medical supplies. Funding from the European Union through EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid has helped ensure the continuity of life-saving services in Homs.

As hospitals work to meet rising demand, sustained investment in essential medicines and emergency preparedness remains critical to protecting patients and strengthening access to care across Syria.

22 February, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – Preventing infections in health facilities remains one of the most effective ways to protect patients and preserve the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. In a context where health systems are under pressure, strong infection prevention and control measures are essential to reducing avoidable complications and slowing the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

A trainer delivers a session during the workshop on to update Syria’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Photo credit: WHO

To reinforce these efforts, the Ministry of Health convened a two-day national workshop in Damascus to update Syria’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, with a strong focus on strengthening infection prevention and control. The workshop was supported by the World Health Organization, with funding from the European Union through EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid.

Participants engage with the trainers during the workshop. Photo credit: WHO

More than 50 representatives from government institutions, academic bodies and partner organizations worked together to define clear priorities and agree on practical steps for implementation. The discussions marked a shift from strategic planning towards concrete, coordinated action.

Dr Yasser Farouh, Director of the Communicable Diseases Department at the Ministry of Health, described the discussions as a critical step forward. “This workshop represents the transition from strategic planning to implementation,” he said. “Through these sessions, we are defining priorities and moving towards concrete action.”

“This workshop represents the transition from strategic planning to implementation,” he said. “Through these sessions, we are defining priorities and moving towards concrete action.”

Participants identified key areas for immediate focus, including strengthening infection prevention practices in health facilities, improving surveillance systems, and reinforcing national coordination mechanisms. Practical measures – from safer clinical procedures to responsible antibiotic use – are central to reducing infections and limiting the development of resistance.

Dr Ola Abbara, member of the AMR Expert Committee, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration. “This meeting brings together all stakeholders to renew the national action plan and strengthen coordinated efforts,” she said. “Infection prevention and control is a core pillar of this work, helping protect patients and reduce antimicrobial resistance in Syria.”

Antimicrobial resistance increases the risk of complications, prolongs hospital stays and raises costs for families and the health system. Dr Susan Nouri, Head of Infection Control and Quality in Healthcare Facilities, highlighted the broader impact of effective programmes.

“Infection control protects patients and healthcare workers and ensures safer medical services,” she said. “It reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, shortens hospital stays and lowers costs for families and the health system.”

WHO regional experts joined the discussions virtually, supporting alignment with regional strategies and strengthening governance frameworks to ensure sustainable implementation.

Dr Mohammed Shafi from the WHO Regional Office noted: “Syria’s decision to revise its National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance is timely and commendable. It reflects strong commitment to addressing this growing threat. The revised plan emphasizes infection prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, awareness, capacity building and strengthened surveillance.”

Through strengthened national leadership, coordinated technical support and sustained investment, Syria is reinforcing its capacity to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics and ensure safer care for patients across the country.

19 February 2026, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic – In winter, respiratory infections rise across Idlib. But for many women, seeking care is not always immediate. Symptoms are often endured quietly – until they can no longer be ignored.

Haifa Hassan Al-Sadeer consults with Dr Imran Al-Jark at the internal medicine clinic of Maaret Al-Numan health centre, where she received treatment for a respiratory infection. Photo credit: WHO

Haifa Hassan Al-Sadeer arrived at the internal medicine clinic at Maaret Al-Numan health centre in Idlib governorate after days of shortness of breath, coughing and abdominal pain. “At first, I told myself it would pass,” she said. “There is always something to manage at home – children, meals, responsibilities. You put your health after everything else.”

But when her breathing became heavier and the discomfort intensified, she made the decision to seek care. “I realized that if I don’t take care of myself, I cannot take care of my family,” she added.

At the clinic, Dr Imran Al-Jark conducted a full examination. Haifa was diagnosed with a chest infection and a common cold and received appropriate treatment and guidance for recovery.

“Women often delay coming to the clinic,” Dr Al-Jark explained. “They minimize their symptoms or prioritize their families. By the time they arrive, the condition may have progressed. Access to nearby, functioning primary health care makes it easier for them to seek help earlier.”

Fatim Mohammad Al-Sadeer speaks with Dr Imran Al-Jark at the internal medicine clinic of Maaret Al-Numan health centre, where she received treatment for bronchitis and acute influenza. Photo credit: WHO

That same week, Fatim Mohammad Al-Sadeer arrived with shortness of breath, severe coughing and a high fever. The fever had drained her energy, but she hesitated before coming. “You think – maybe tomorrow I will feel better,” she said. “But the fever did not go down. I felt weak and frightened that it might become something more serious.”

Following examination, she was diagnosed with bronchitis and acute influenza. She received medication and clear counselling on how to manage her symptoms and when to return. “What helped me most was that the doctor listened carefully,” Fatim said. “He explained what I had and what I needed to do. It made me feel respected, not rushed.”

The Maaret Al-Numan health centre is one of 70 health facilities across Syria supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). Through this initiative, the centre receives essential medicines, medical supplies and operational assistance – enabling internal medicine services to remain available and affordable for communities.

For many women in Idlib governorate, proximity matters. Transportation costs, household responsibilities and financial strain can all delay health-seeking decisions. “When services are consistent and medicines are available, women feel more confident coming forward,” Dr Al-Jark said. “Primary health care is not only about treatment – it is about accessibility and trust.”

For Haifa and Fatim, the ability to walk into a functioning clinic and receive treatment the same day meant avoiding complications and returning home reassured. “In the past, we worried whether medicines would be there,” Haifa said. “Now, I know that if I feel unwell, I can come and be treated properly. That changes how you think about your own health.”

As winter illnesses continue to circulate, strengthened primary health care services in Maaret Al-Numan are helping women seek timely care – protecting not only their own health, but the well-being of the families who depend on them.

18 February 2026, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – On a cold January morning, Dr Dima Jaabar listened carefully to the uneven breathing of two young boys brought into the Rajo health centre in the rural countryside of Afrin district, north of Aleppo, within days of each other. Both were struggling to breathe. Both needed urgent care. Both are now recovering.

Dr Dima Jaabar examines Mohammad Ghazi at the Rajo health centre, where he received treatment and follow-up care for acute chest inflammation and breathing difficulties. Photo credit: WHO

Mohammad Ghazi was carried in by his family after developing acute chest inflammation and difficulty breathing caused by smoke inside the home. “He was gasping and could not sleep at night,” his father recalled. “We were afraid it would get worse.”

At the health centre, Dr Jaabar and her team quickly assessed him, provided treatment and scheduled close follow-up. Within days, Mohammad’s breathing began to stabilize.

“During winter, many families rely on indoor heating methods that expose children to heavy smoke,” said Dr Jaabar. “By the time they arrive, they are exhausted from coughing and shortness of breath. Timely treatment makes all the difference.”

Dr Dima Jaabar examines young Rashid at the Rajo health, where he received treatment for fever and chest inflammation. Photo credit: WHO

Just days later, Rashid’s mother rushed him to the same centre. He had a high fever, persistent cough and chest inflammation. “He was burning with fever and crying from the pain,” she said. “I did not know what to do except bring him here.”

Rashid received treatment, medical consultation and practical guidance to support his recovery at home. His mother was counselled on symptom management, warning signs and how to reduce respiratory risks.

“I felt relieved when the doctor explained everything,” she said. “They did not just treat him; they helped me understand how to care for him.”

The Rajo health centre is one of 70 health facilities across Syria supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). Through this initiative, facilities receive essential primary health care medicines and medical supplies, operational support and staffing assistance to ensure services continue for communities affected by years of crisis.

Across Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Idlib governorates, the project strengthens integrated health services, improves access to primary and specialized care, and reduces preventable illness and complications. By securing medicines and consumables and supporting facility operations, WHO and KSrelief are helping centres like Rajo remain open and responsive to community needs.

“For us, the impact is immediate,” Dr Jaabar said. “With consistent supplies and operational support, we can treat children quickly and follow up properly. Families do not have to delay care.”

In Afrin, where many families continue to navigate economic hardship and fragile living conditions, accessible primary health care is not abstract policy – it is the difference between fear and reassurance.

For Mohammad and Rashid, it meant breathing easier again.

18 February 2026, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic - In the Ariha sector of Idlib governorate, ambulance crews operate in constant readiness. When a call comes in - whether for a road traffic accident, a fracture, a cardiac emergency or a critical transfer between hospitals - the response must be immediate.

Saleh Khalouf prepares to transport a patient inside a newly delivered ambulance in Idlib, strengthening emergency response and patient safety across the governorate. Photo credit: WHO

“There is no routine day for us,” says Musaab Abdulwahab Al-Yaqoub, 33, who has worked in the Central Referral and Ambulance System since 2018. “During our shifts, we are on alert 24 hours a day. We respond to road accidents, falls, fractures and critical cases. At any moment, the phone can ring.”

For years, emergency teams worked with ageing ambulances that had long passed their intended lifespan. The vehicles had endured heavy use, repeated strain and constant mechanical issues. “Our ambulances were very old,” Musaab explains. “They had been exposed to many problems, and maintenance was a continuous challenge.”

Some of the models dated back to the 1990s. “Today we are operating 2025 models,” says Saleh Khalouf, 35, who has served in the system for four years. “The difference is clear.”

That difference goes beyond appearance. In emergency medicine, timing is critical. “We call them the ‘golden minutes,’” Musaab says. “The faster we reach the patient, the more stable their condition can be.” Older vehicles sometimes slowed response times or created uncertainty during long-distance calls to remote villages. Crews had to contend with uneven roads, potholes and damaged infrastructure - all of which affected transport conditions.

Nurse Qais Ibrahim Zureiq monitors a patient’s vital signs inside a newly delivered ambulance, helping ensure safer and more stable emergency transport. Photo credit: WHO

“For patients with fractures or trauma, the road itself can cause pain,” explains Qais Ibrahim Zureiq, a nurse who has worked in the system for five years. “The older ambulances were not comfortable. Patients would complain during transport, especially on damaged roads.” Smoother transport reduces additional suffering during already critical moments.

Beyond equipment, staffing remains a pressing challenge. Across Syria, an estimated 50–70% of health care workers have left the country over the years of conflict, placing sustained pressure on those who remain. In many ambulances, responses are carried out by only a driver and one medical professional, rather than a full team of paramedics and a physician.

“We need more staff,” Qais explains. “Sometimes there are only two of us in the ambulance. Ideally, there should be four or five.”

Strengthening and retaining the existing health workforce - and encouraging Syrian health professionals to return - remains a priority for the Ministry of Health as part of ongoing recovery efforts.

Musaab Abdulwahab Al-Yaqoub responds to an emergency call in Idlib, transferring a patient from a newly delivered ambulance to a health facility under the Central Referral and Ambulance System. Photo credit: WHO

With support from KSrelief, WHO has delivered 10 new ambulances to strengthen emergency response services across Syria, supporting frontline teams operating under sustained pressure. The newer vehicles are more reliable, require less maintenance and provide greater stability on the road, helping reduce delays and improve patient transport conditions.

Despite the demands, the crews remain driven by a strong humanitarian commitment. “When you help stabilize a critical patient and deliver them safely to hospital, you feel that you achieved something meaningful that day,” Qais says. “It gives you satisfaction.”

For Musaab, the motivation has remained constant. “We started this work to help people,” he says. “That is what keeps us continuing.”

For Saleh, the arrival of the new ambulances carries another meaning. “It means that people see us,” he says. “They understand our situation and they want to support us. That matters.”

In emergency response, every minute counts. In Idlib, those minutes are now being protected - one call at a time.

16 February 2026, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic – As Syria advances in its recovery, improving the safety and reliability of hospital services is helping facilities operate with greater confidence. In the Jisr-Ash-Shugur district of Idlib governorate, that recovery is taking shape inside operating theatres, where precision equipment is helping reduce preventable surgical risk.

Mohammed Al-Hallaq, operating room technician at Arrahma Hospital in Jisr-Ash-Shugur district, Idlib, prepares laparoscopic equipment before surgery. Photo credit: WHO

At Arrahma Hospital, laparoscopic procedures such as gallbladder removal, ovarian cyst surgery and other abdominal interventions are performed regularly. For years, however, the hospital relied on an ageing endoscopy device that had reached the end of its lifespan.

“It would disconnect during operations,” explains Mohammed Al-Hallaq, an operating room technician at the hospital. “Sometimes we would lose up to 30 minutes trying to restart it. The surgeon, the anaesthetist, the assistants – everyone would become unsettled.”

Those interruptions had direct consequences for patient safety. “Every minute under anaesthesia matters,” he says. “The longer the anaesthesia, the greater the potential risk to the patient. When the device stopped working, the operation time increased, and that increased risk.”

During critical moments of surgery, the equipment could fail unexpectedly. “Sometimes the camera would disconnect. Sometimes the gas supply would stop. The bipolar cautery would malfunction,” Mohammed recalls. “It was not one issue – there were many.”

There were occasions when the team came close to stopping procedures entirely. “We reached points where we were about to suspend the operation,” he says. “Then at the last moment the device would restart, and we would continue. But that waiting period created tension for everyone in the room.”

Surgeons at Arrahma Hospital in Jisr-Ash-Shugur district, Idlib, perform a laparoscopic procedure using newly installed endoscopy equipment supported by KSrelief. Photo credit: WHO

Supporting surgical recovery across Idlib

With support from KSrelief, WHO has delivered four standard laparoscopic surgery towers – complete with basic laparoscopic instruments and semi-rigid ureteroscopes –  to hospitals in Idlib governorate. The equipment was distributed to Idlib Surgical Hospital, Sham Surgical Hospital, Harim General Hospital and Arrahma Hospital, strengthening surgical capacity across multiple districts.

At Arrahma Hospital, the impact has been immediate. “The new device is digital and much more precise,” Mohammed explains. “Its settings are more accurate, the technique is smoother and the operation time is shorter.”

Shorter procedures mean reduced anaesthesia exposure, fewer potential complications and improved recovery for patients. Reliable equipment also allows surgical teams to focus fully on the procedure rather than managing technical breakdowns.

“Now we are not worried that the camera will switch off or that the gas will stop during surgery,” he says. “For the patient, this means safer surgery. For the team, it means greater confidence.”

As recovery continues across Syria, strengthening operating rooms with modern equipment is not simply a technical upgrade. It is an investment in patient safety, surgical precision and the long-term resilience of the health system in Idlib.

15 February 2026, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic: As Syria advances in its recovery, restoring essential health services remains central to rebuilding a resilient health system. At a surgical hospital in Idlib, surgeons are once again performing minimally invasive procedures with confidence.

Dr. Suleiman Abdulhamid Al-Jassim, a fifth-year surgical resident in Idlib, prepares endoscopy instruments inside the operating theatre. Photo credit: WHO

For Dr. Suleiman Abdulhamid Al-Jassim, a fifth-year surgical resident working in Idlib, the arrival of a new endoscopy device has changed daily practice in tangible ways.

“For many years, we relied on an old endoscopy unit that had constant technical problems,” he says. “The instruments were worn out. The camera failed frequently. Because of these issues, there were times when we had to abandon laparoscopic surgery and proceed with open abdominal surgery instead.”

This was especially true for procedures such as gallbladder removal — operations that are typically performed laparoscopically. “When the device failed, we had no choice,” he explains. “We would convert to open surgery.”

Each month, the hospital performs between 15 and 20 laparoscopic procedures, including gallbladder removal, gynecological surgeries involving the ovary or uterus, and diagnostic laparoscopy. “With the new device, we can now perform these operations properly,” Dr. Al-Jassim says. “It represents a real qualitative shift for the hospital and in how we serve our patients.”

Surgeons in Idlib perform a laparoscopic procedure using newly installed endoscopy equipment, helping restore minimally invasive surgical care. Photo credit: WHO

Strengthening surgical capacity across Idlib

As part of broader efforts to support health system recovery, WHO, with support from KSrelief, has delivered new endoscopy equipment to three hospitals in Idlib governorate — Idlib Surgical Hospital, Al Hidaya Hospital and Harim General Hospital — helping reinforce essential surgical services as facilities rebuild and modernize.

After years of strain on health infrastructure, much of the surgical equipment in operating theatres across Idlib remains outdated or worn. “The new endoscopy unit has made a significant difference,” Dr. Al-Jassim says. “But some instruments are still missing. We hope the supporting organizations can help provide the remaining tools.”

He also points to broader needs inside operating rooms. “There is other old and worn-out equipment that affects our work,” he explains. “These limitations sometimes impact procedures and, in some cases, force us to make clinical decisions we would not otherwise choose.”

The impact is not only technical. “When patients see modern, functioning equipment, it changes how they feel before surgery,” he says. “Instead of preparing them for the possibility of open surgery because of equipment problems, they see effective tools. This improves their psychological state significantly.”

As recovery progresses, restoring surgical precision is about more than replacing devices. It is about strengthening safe surgical practice, rebuilding confidence in health services, and ensuring that people in Idlib can access quality care with dignity.

11 February 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – Damascus, 10 February 2026 – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a three–day national workshop aimed at strengthening governance and leadership in health professions education in Syria.

Participants and partners gather at the opening of the national workshop on strengthening governance and leadership in medical and health sciences education. Photo credit: WHO

Bringing together senior academic leaders, policymakers and health educators from across the country, the workshop focuses on improving how medical and health professions education is governed, planned and delivered–at a time when Syria’s health system continues to recover from years of strain, workforce shortages and the migration of skilled professionals.

H.E. Dr. Musab Al-Ali, Minister of Health, delivers opening remarks at the national workshop. Photo credit: WHO

Opening the workshop, H.E. Dr. Musab Al–Ali, Minister of Health, underscored the direct link between the quality of medical education and the quality-of-care people receive. He stressed that rebuilding the health system depends not only on restoring services, but on investing in the people who deliver them–and the institutions responsible for their training.

“The healthcare sector has faced difficult circumstances in recent years, creating clear challenges for the educational institutions responsible for training medical and healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Al–Ali. “Today, we face a reality that demands sincere commitment and coordinated, collective action from all of us to strengthen leadership and governance within healthcare education structures, because the future of healthcare is inextricably linked to the quality of medical education.”

Dr. Al–Ali noted that the workshop is designed as a practical step forward, combining policy–oriented discussions with applied tools to support decision–making, quality standards and institutional leadership–tailored to Syria’s current realities.

H.E. Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, addresses participants at the national workshop. Photo credit: WHO

That emphasis on systems and long–term reform was echoed by H.E. Dr. Marwan Al–Halabi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who framed the workshop as a strategic national investment rather than a stand–alone training activity.

“Governance and leadership in health professions education are not procedural concepts; they are a philosophy of work and a system of values,” said Dr. Al–Halabi. “Repositioning medical education at the heart of the national health system is essential for reform, quality assurance and sustainable impact.”

He highlighted the importance of stronger coordination between universities, training institutions and the health sector to ensure that education outcomes respond to population health needs, support workforce retention and translate knowledge into safer, higher–quality care. Clear roles, integrated planning and accountable leadership, he added, are critical to transforming institutions from isolated entities into a coherent, functioning system.

Professor Dr. Mohammed Iyad Al‑Shatti speaks during the national workshop. Photo credit: WHO

The workshop also builds on decades of academic experience within Syria. Professor Dr. Mohammed Iyad Al–Shatti reflected on earlier efforts to modernize medical education and the enduring relevance of governance principles.  “As early as the 1980s, we were already discussing quality standards, transparency, fairness and effective financing in education,” he said. “What matters today is thinking holistically–how the Ministries of Health and Higher Education work together, and how leadership and governance shape the entire health system, not just individual institutions.”

Addressing participants online, Dr. Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative to Syria, reaffirmed WHO’s role as a technical partner supporting nationally led reform efforts. “Syria’s health system is at a pivotal moment of recovery and reform,” said Dr. Hammerich. “Strengthening health professions education is one of the most effective ways to rebuild confidence in health services, sustain quality standards and move towards universal health coverage. WHO is here to support the institutions leading this work–under the stewardship of the Ministry of Health and in close coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education–by helping translate shared priorities into practical, implementable steps.”

He highlighted the workshop’s action–oriented design, which combines systems thinking, strategic planning, and quality improvement with a focus on accreditation and leadership development. He also emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches that support women’s leadership, enable participation of people with disabilities, and ensure education pathways serve communities in underserved areas.

Running from 10 to 12 February 2026, the workshop includes interactive lectures, group simulations, and strategic planning exercises. Participants include deans and vice–deans of medical and health sciences, faculties and training institutes, representatives of national health boards, and senior officials from the Ministries of Health and Higher Education.

By the end of the three days, participants are expected to develop concrete institutional action plans and strengthen coordination between education and service delivery–contributing to a more resilient health workforce and more responsive health services for people across Syria.