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Strengthening healthcare in crisis: WHO equips national hospitals in Homs, Daraa, and Dummar with oxygen generators
25 June 2023 – As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen health systems in regions affected by crises, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with its donors, has delivered three oxygen generators to three public hospitals: Dara’a National Hospital, Homs National Hospital, and Dummar National Hospital in Damascus. Known as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, these oxygen generators will support the lives of hundreds of critical patients in Syria – such as those with cardiac and respiratory conditions, or those requiring intensive care – by ensuring reliable and economical on-site oxygen supply and facilitating the filling of oxygen cylinders.
The deliveries of these oxygen generators are funded by the Middle East Response grant of the Global Fund to Syria, through IOM (UN Migration Agency) and WHO. Additional resources were mobilized through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism of the Global Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Health. This collaborative effort aims to enhance public health and pandemic preparedness capacities in Syria for the long term.
Dr. Iman Shankiti, WHO's Acting Representative in Syria, said, "Working closely with the Ministry of Health, WHO is dedicated to bolstering the capacity of public health facilities across Syria. The provision of these oxygen plants to national hospitals is a testament to this commitment. Amidst the ongoing crisis in the country, our mission remains clear: to ensure access to quality healthcare services for those in need."
The three recipient national hospitals provide free public health services. Homs National Hospital, which includes two operating rooms, a twelve-bed inpatient ward, and four intensive care units (ICUs), has been equipped with an oxygen generator with a capacity of 20m3/h. Dara’a National Hospital, with 160 beds and 10 ICU beds, has also received an oxygen generator with a capacity of 40m3/h. Lastly, the Dummar National Hospital, planned to be an isolation hospital for communicable diseases and currently housing 30 beds and 18 ICU beds, now boasts an oxygen generator with an 18m3/h capacity. By leveraging the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) process, these generators separate oxygen from other gases present in the air and mark a significant step towards strengthening Syria's healthcare system.
We recognize the national hospitals in Syria and their dedicated team of professionals for their unwavering service to their communities under ever-challenging conditions. It is essential that we continue to strengthen Syria's health system to ensure resilience and leave no one behind.
Seeds of change: Syria swaps tobacco for sustainable crops
31 May 2023 – Damascus, Syria – Countries around the world, including Syria, are observing World No Tobacco Day, with a focus on the call for food, not tobacco. Syria's tobacco control program, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization, aims to reduce the effects of tobacco cultivation on government and public health.
"Interference from the tobacco industry makes it harder to transition away from tobacco cultivation, exacerbating the global food crisis," said Dr. Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative a.i in Syria. "We urge governments to stop subsidizing tobacco cultivation and redirect those funds to assist farmers in adopting more sustainable crops that enhance food security and nutrition. Through collaboration, we can ensure our communities enjoy better health, nutrition, and sustainable food."
In recent years, Syria has made remarkable progress in tobacco control. A total of 24 tobacco cessation clinics have been established across 14 government-owned facilities, providing consultations to approximately 3,000 visitors in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, The Tobacco Control Program has trained 50 healthcare professionals from two public hospitals in Damascus and rural Damascus on tobacco cessation programs. Two central coordination meetings were held to assess national progress on Tobacco FCTC policies, involving 60 Ministry of Health staff members, tobacco coordinators, and the Tobacco Control National Committee.
Syria's Tobacco Control Program is actively working to eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products and endorse sustainable crop substitution. In 2022, the WHO assisted in the development of the National Tobacco Control Action Plan for 2021-2023 and facilitated a dialogue with the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of WHO (EMRO) about "Syria Next Steps." This dialogue aims to join the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, an international treaty with the goal of eliminating all forms of illicit tobacco trade through a set of measures that countries can adopt as a global solution to a global problem. Furthermore, the WHO worked with the Ministry of Health to conduct a two-day training workshop on implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for parties navigating complex emergency situations.
In schools, universities, and households, the Ministry of Health has launched smoke-free initiatives with support from the WHO to raise awareness and provide educational materials. As part of the 2023 theme, the Tobacco Control Program seeks to highlight the extensive negative impact of tobacco product waste on the environment, economy, society, human health, biodiversity, and water bodies.
WHO supports a smoke-free future and a world where food is grown for nourishment rather than consumption. This approach will ultimately result in stronger communities. By backing the Tobacco Control Program of Syria in promoting sustainable food production, reduces the harmful effects of tobacco farming on health and the environment.
On World Thalassemia Day 2023, WHO acknowledges support of donors and health care workers who provide hope to thalassemia patients in Syria
8 May, 2023 – On World Thalassemia Day 2023, WHO stands in solidarity with the thousands of thalassemia patients in Syria and their families.
“Despite a weakened healthcare system in Syria as a result of years of conflict, there are still glimmers of hope everyday thanks to the support of donors and the tireless dedication of healthcare workers who make it possible for thalassemia patients in Syria to access to life-saving care,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative a.i. in Syria.
From remote villages to urban centers, healthcare workers and health partners have made a difference in the lives of patients – bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
But the work is far from over. Thalassemia patients in Syria still face many challenges in accessing the treatment and care they need and the health system is facing shortages of medicine, equipment, and trained healthcare professionals.
“Despite ongoing conflict and the disruption of the healthcare system in Syria, WHO remains committed to supporting these patients and their families. This World Thalassemia Day, we pledge to continue our efforts to improve the health situation in Syria and ensure that every patient, no matter where they are, has access to the care and treatment they need. Together, with healthcare workers and aid organizations, we can make a difference and give a brighter future to those who need it most,” added Dr Shankiti.
WHO Joins Forces with UNICEF, Gavi, and the Syrian Ministry of Health to vaccinate unvaccinated children During World Immunization Week
Vaccination in Al-Qamishli in North-East Syria7 May, 2023 –Damascus, Syria - the World Health Organization (WHO) together with UNICEF, Gavi, and the Syrian Ministry of Health, is proud to participate in World Immunization Week in Syria, from 7 to 11 May, to promote the life-saving benefits of vaccines and encourage more people to get vaccinated.
This year’s theme for World Immunization Week is “The Big Catch Up”, highlighting the role of vaccines in bringing people closer to their loved ones, communities, and goals. Through our participation in World Immunization Week in Syria, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and protecting individuals and communities.
During World Immunization Week, the joint collaborative efforts of WHO, UNICEF, and the Syrian Ministry of Health will focus on vaccinating as many people as possible against vaccine-preventable diseases through intensified multi-antigin vaccination campaign targeting under 5 children in all governorates. Different routine vaccines such as polio, rubella, and hepatitis-B will be provided during this campaign in addition to the provision of COVID-19 vaccine to targeted adults. In this campaign, vaccination services will be provided through fixed facilities and mobile teams in rural and hard to reach areas. In Additional to the provision of the needed technical assistance and on job training to healthcare workers, and conducting community outreach to promote vaccination.
“Vaccines are critical in preventing diseases and protecting communities,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, the World Health Representative a.i. in Syria. “By working together with all of our partners, including UNICEF, Gavi, and the Syrian Ministry of Health, we can ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to life-saving vaccines. This collaboration is key to eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases and achieving universal health coverage.”
WHO is committed to promoting the health and well-being of people around the world, and vaccines are a critical tool in achieving that goal. Join us in celebrating World Immunization Week in Syria and supporting the power of vaccines to protect individuals and communities from deadly diseases.
