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The Minister of Health visits the rehabilitated Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital, thanks to Japan’s support
H.E. Dr Musab al-Ali, Minister of Health, tours the rehabilitated Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital with Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria. Photo: WHO
5 October 2025, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic –Today, H.E. Dr. Musab al-Ali, the Minister of Health and representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) visited the recently rehabilitated Kidney Building in Homs Grand Hospital. With the generous contribution from the Government of Japan, the building has been upgraded and newly equipped and will open its doors to patients in the coming months, once installation of equipment and final preparations are complete.
H.E. Dr. Musaab Alali, the Minister of Health said, “This pivotal moment at the Homs Grand Hospital is of utmost importance, as we witness the fruit of great cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Government of Japan, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Office for Project Services. The rehabilitation of the kidney building and its equipping with advanced medical technologies reflect our shared commitment to putting people first and enhancing the quality of healthcare. This project will directly serve hundreds of thousands of people of Homs, while its impact will extend to millions in the central region. On behalf of Syria, I extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Japan and our international partners for this vital initiative.”
“Japan remains committed to supporting the people of Syria by providing assistance such as this in the health sector, which has endured severe challenges during years of conflict,” said Akihiro Tsuji, Japan’s Charge d’Affaires.
With a US$4.7 million contribution from Japan, UNOPS rehabilitated the three-storey Kidney Building, located within the Homs Grand Hospital complex, and installed a specialized incinerator for decentralized, safe and environmentally friendly treatment of medical waste. This system will also serve eight surrounding health facilities in Homs.
Muhammad Usman Akram, Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman, said: “The rehabilitation of the Kidney Building is a concrete step in ensuring that the people in Homs and surrounding areas can access enhanced specialized health services. Thanks to the Government of Japan’s generous support, this facility will not only contribute to restoring essential health services, but also build a safer and more environmentally sustainable system for medical waste. This collaboration between the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Health, UNOPS and WHO demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing critical challenges and restoring health services and infrastructure for communities in need.”
Complementing these efforts, WHO is finalizing the installation of advanced medical technologies with US$4.97 million support from the Government of Japan to strengthen specialised care at the hospital. This includes MRI and CT scanners, a lithotripter for treating kidney stones, a fully equipped operating room, an intensive care unit with four beds, and a dialysis unit with 22 machines. New laboratory and sterilization units, along with medical gas and laundry systems, are also being set up to improve patient safety and infection control.
Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, said: “Today’s visit to the rehabilitated Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital marks an important milestone in strengthening health services in central Syria. Thanks to the Government of Japan’s generous support, and through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNOPS, this facility is being restored and equipped to provide specialised care that people urgently need. It is a concrete step in rebuilding Syria’s health system, expanding access to lifesaving services, and ensuring that communities in Homs and beyond can look to a stronger, more resilient health sector in the years ahead.”
Once fully operational, the Kidney Building will provide specialized services including dialysis and treatment for kidney stones, as well as intensive care, surgery and referrals for advanced diagnostic investigations. These services will support more than 500,000 people living in northern and western Homs and are expected to improve access to quality care for around 3 million people across central Syria.
For media inquiries, please contact:
For UNOPS: Anwar Abu Sakieneh,
For WHO: Halah Kabash,
Together for Syria’s Future: Korea and UN Launch $38 Million Lifesaving Aid and Resilience Projects to Revive Hope and Restore Services
Damascus, 30 September 2025 — The Republic of Korea, in partnership with four United Nations agencies, has launched a comprehensive assistance package to support vulnerable communities across Syria. With a total contribution of US$ 38 million, the initiatives aim to address urgent needs in health, education, food security, and infrastructure, while promoting long-term resilience and recovery.
“For many years, Korea has stood side by side with the Syrian people. Korea is contributing to help the Syrian people overcome urgent humanitarian and development challenges. Korea itself rose from the ashes of war to achieve remarkable economic and social development, and it is in that spirit of shared experience that we wish to walk alongside Syria. Just as the Korean people once overcame devastation through unity, determination and international support, so too can Syria emerge stronger—with friends such as Korea at its side.” Said H.E. Mr. Geon Gyusuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
“This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when international solidarity meets local commitment. Korea’s support enables us to respond to urgent humanitarian needs while also investing in Syria’s future. Together, we are reviving hope, restoring services, and reaching communities with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.” Said Ms. Meritxell Relaño, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Syria
Implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, the projects will deliver life-saving services and sustainable solutions to millions of Syrians:
UNDP’s REVIVE Project will clear 550,000 metric tons of debris, rehabilitate essential infrastructure, and create over 4,000 jobs in Aleppo, Homs, Deir-ez-Zor, and Rural Damascus.
UNICEF’s Resilience for Children will reach 1.3 million people—including 800,000 children—with improved access to education, clean water, and maternal and child health services.
WFP’s REACH Syria Initiative will provide six months of cash-based food assistance to 95,000 severely food-insecure people.
WHO’s Health Access Project will deliver 40,000 dialysis sessions, install 20 diagnostic imaging machines, and improve health outcomes for over 160,000 people.
The initiatives are aligned with Syria’s Humanitarian Response Plan and national recovery priorities, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between international partners and national authorities.
For media inquiries, please contact:
- UNDP: Dania Darwish |
- UNICEF: Monique Awad |
- WFP: Hussam Alsaleh |
- WHO: Halah Kabash |
Women in Aleppo find care and dignity through local health centres
Midwife Maram Ali Al-Hassan checks the blood pressure of Hamida Ammar Raslan during a consultation at Sundi Health Centre. Photo credit: WHO25 September 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – At Sundi Health Centre in rural Aleppo, 36-year-old Hamida Ammar Raslan sits in the waiting area, clutching her referral slip. She has long struggled with gynaecological infections, but access to treatment was once out of reach.
“Before, I did not know where I could find help,” she recalls softly. “Now the clinic is close, the treatment is available, and the midwife explains everything clearly. I feel safe.”
Hamida was examined by midwife Maram Ali Al-Hassan and prescribed treatment the same day. For her, this simple service means restored health – and the ability to care for her children with peace of mind.
Keeping clinics operational
Midwife Rawnak Abdoun advices Malak Al-Sharqat during a consultation at Al-Bab Health Centre. Photo credit: WHOAcross northern Aleppo, health centres like Sundi, Ihtimlat, and Al-Bab are lifelines for women and families. With support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), WHO has kept 50 health facilities operational since November 2024, ensuring access to primary, secondary, and specialised care.
In this time, around 565,000 people have benefitted from healthcare, over 935,000 consultations have been delivered, and 28,000 referrals made for emergency and advanced treatment. A remarkable 97% of patients report satisfaction with the quality of care.
At Ihtimlat Health Centre, 42-year-old Khadija Hamo shares a similar story. She sought help for persistent gynaecological problems. “I was embarrassed to speak about my illness,” she admits. “But midwife Asia Muslim made me feel respected. She gave me advice and medicine that worked.”
Strengthening women’s health
Dr Aziza Al-Naasan consults with Zubaida Abdulrahman Al-Matar at Al-Bab Health Centre. Photo credit: WHOGynaecology services are among the most in-demand in Aleppo’s communities, where years of conflict have disrupted routine healthcare for women. Keeping these services available is critical not only to health, but also to dignity.
“Many women come here with untreated infections or complications,” says midwife Wafaa Al-Doush at Al-Bab Health Centre. “We also support family planning, helping women make informed choices about their health. Without this clinic, they would have nowhere to go.”
For 28-year-old Halima Mohammad Al-Ahmad, family planning advice from Wafaa has been transformative. “I want to raise my children well, without fear of falling sick again,” she says.
Integrated care for the whole community
Midwife Rawnak Abdoun conducts an ultrasound examination at KSrelief supported Al-Bab Health Centre. Photo credit: WHOAt the same Al-Bab facility, gynaecology sits alongside general services, meaning families can seek care together. On a recent morning, 55-year-old Zubaida Abdulrahman Al-Matar arrived exhausted, with high blood sugar and fatigue.
“Dr Aziza Al-Naasan explained my condition and gave me treatment to manage it,” Zubaida explains. “Now I know how to take care of myself and my family.”
Midwife Rawnak Abdoun adds that women often come late, after months of discomfort. “When they leave with treatment and reassurance, you can see the relief on their faces,” she says. “That is why we continue, despite the challenges.”
Sustaining essential services
KSrelief’s contribution has been central to this continuity of care – from medicines and supplies to dialysis services, which remain a growing need in the region. For patients like Hamida, Khadija, Halima, Zubaida, and Malak, these services mean more than medicine – they represent hope, stability, and dignity after years of disruption.
Pharmacists in Aleppo help families get the medicines they need
A pharmacist hands medicines to a patient at a KSrelief-supported Ihtimlat Health Centre in northern Aleppo. Photo credit: WHO24 September 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – At Dabiq Health Centre, pharmacist Ali Al-Mustafa checks a prescription carefully before handing a mother her child’s medicine. A father of four himself, Ali understands the reassurance families feel when treatment is within reach.
Pharmacist Ali Al-Mustafa arranges medicines at Dabiq Health Centre. Photo credit: WHO“When I give medicine to a sick child, I think of my own children,” he says. “Families come here worried, but when they leave with what they need, I feel I have done something important for my community.”
Across Syria, just 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health care centres remain fully functional. In northern Aleppo, the need for support is critical. With support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), WHO and health partners are sustaining more than 50 health facilities across the region. This assistance ensures hospitals, clinics and maternity centres can stay open, provide medicines and equipment, support staff salaries and strengthen referrals – keeping services running as the country moves towards recovery and rebuilding.
Pharmacist Abdulrahman Kanjo hands prescribed medicines to a patient at Ihtaimalat Health Center in Azaz. Photo credit: WHOSince November 2024, around 565,000 people in Aleppo have benefitted from health services across 50 facilities in Al-Bab, Azaz and Jarablus districts. In the same period, over 935,000 medical consultations were provided, covering primary, secondary and specialized care.
Pharmacists are a vital part of this effort. They are the final link in the chain of care: the ones who dispense medicines prescribed by doctors and midwives, explain how to take them safely, and offer reassurance to anxious families.
At Ihtaimalat Health Center, pharmacist Abdulrahman Kanjo notes how critical access is for his community.
“People trust us to give them the right medicines. Without this centre, many families would have nowhere else to go,” he says. “I remember one morning a young man came rushing in with his elderly father. The doctor prescribed medicine for his heart condition, and they were afraid it wouldn’t be available. When I handed it to them, I saw their relief immediately. These moments remind me why our work matters.”
Pharmacist Ghufran Hassan Al-Othman writes dosage instructions on a medicine box for patients at Al-Bab Health Centre. Photo credit: WHOIn Al-Bab, pharmacist Ghufran Hassan Al-Othman, who has worked at the local health centre for years, sees her role as deeply connected to her community.
“Parents come here tired and worried, especially when their children are sick,” she says. “I make sure to explain clearly how to take the medicines and reassure them that they are not alone. I want every child here to grow up healthy, and every parent to feel supported.”
> Others, like Mohammad Adnan Weis, have faced displacement yet continue to serve. Originally from Aleppo city, he lost both his home and the pharmacy he once ran during the conflict, but he never gave up his profession.
“Being a pharmacist allows me to give back to my community, even while rebuilding my own life,” he says. “I hope one day to see Syria’s health system strong again, where no family has to fear losing access to care.”
At Al-Sukkariyah Health Centre in the countryside of Al-Bab, pharmacist Mahmoud Sheikh Saleh, a father of seven, reflects on the shared struggles of the families he supports.
“With so many children depending on me at home, I understand what other parents feel when they come here. If medicine is available, hope is available,” he says.
“Every time we can give patients what they need, it eases their burden. For families who have lived through so much, even the certainty that services will continue tomorrow gives them strength to carry on.”
With KSrelief’s support to operate facilities, WHO and partners are ensuring that as Syria transitions to a unified national health system, services continue without interruption – keeping medicines within reach for families and supporting recovery, dignity and health for all.
Pharmacist Mohammad Adnan Weis hands prescribed medicines to a patient at Baroza Health Centre. Photo credit: WHO 
Pharmacist Mahmoud Sheikh Saleh prepares medicines for patients at Al-Sukkariyah Health Centre in the countryside of Al-Bab, Aleppo. Photo credit: WHO