1 December 2024, For a mother in Aleppo seeking safe childbirth, or a child in Damascus coping with chronic illness, access to basic health services is far from guaranteed. After more than a decade of war, there are no easy fixes for the Syrian Arab Republic’s struggling health system.

Around 15 million people, or 65% of the population, require urgent health assistance. Over half of all hospitals and primary care centres remain non-functional. The risk of disease spread is exacerbated by overcrowding, food insecurity and poor sanitation, especially among displaced families.

In response to persistent challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Syria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, convened 2 national consultations in Damascus on 26–27 November 2024. The sessions aimed to empower local actors with the tools, data and partnerships they need to drive Syria’s recovery, and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), forward.

“These consultations were more than just meetings. They were a space to connect, learn and share our hopes for a stronger, healthier Syria,” said Public Health Officer in WHO Syria Country Office Ms Hyam Bashour, one of the lead facilitators of the sessions. “By working together across ministries and regions we are building the foundation for long-term, sustainable change.”

The consultations brought together 56 participants from the ministries of health, education, water resources, higher education and local administration, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, academia and the Planning and International Cooperation Commission. To ensure the voices of frontline communities were heard, representatives from Latakia, Aleppo and Damascus shared their insights on local realities.

A key focus was on the interconnections between SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and other goals, particularly SDG5 (Gender Equality), with open discussions on maternal health, reproductive rights and gender-based violence. Participants also explored how to monitor over 50 health-related indicators at the local level using data-informed approaches.

The consultations underscored the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration and the critical role civil society and local actors play in health planning and delivery.

Syria is now exploring a digital platform that will allow health officials, in partnership with civil society and local communities, to track progress in real time, enhancing transparency and accountability and helping ensure that no one is left behind.

Jamal, a vaccination supervisor in Khan Shaykhun, prepares a vaccine dose during an outreach campaign. Photo: WHO21 July 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – When Hassan and his family returned to Khan Shaykhun after years of displacement, one of his first concerns was his children’s health. 

“All my children have been vaccinated on time,” says the father of seven. “It wasn’t always like this. During our displacement, we had to walk for hours to find a health centre. But now, services are closer. They even announce vaccination campaigns in community centres and schools.” 

Jamal checks a vaccine dose before administering it to children during outreach in Khan Shaykhun. Photo: WHOIn this quiet but determined recovery, access to immunization has become a symbol of stability and protection. As families like Hassan’s resettle in Khan Shaykhun, the need to catch up on missed childhood vaccines is urgent. For children under five, especially those who missed early doses or were born during displacement, vaccines offer life-saving protection against preventable diseases.

Leading these efforts is Jamal, a vaccination team supervisor. “We provide vaccines to children from the first day of life up to five years old,” he explains. “We also vaccinate pregnant women against tetanus. During recent outreach, we even set up temporary vaccination points in remote areas.” 

Areas in southern Idlib Governorate near northern Hama, including Al-Tamanah, Al-Habit, Kafr Sajnah, Abdin, Al-Muqayir, and Sheikh Mustafa, have long been hard to reach, especially as many of them were located along former front lines. But with strong community commitment and dedicated field teams, no child is left behind.

“The electronic tracking system helped us identify children who had missed vaccines. It allowed us to plan follow-up visits and make sure every child was protected,” Jamal adds. “And the community’s support made everything smoother.” 

Jamal monitors the temperature of a vaccine to ensure it is safe for use during a vaccination session. Photo: WHOThat support didn’t come overnight. Outreach teams held awareness sessions, handed out printed materials, and partnered with community centres and schools to address misinformation. Religious leaders and teachers helped build trust – one conversation at a time.

“People used to hesitate,” says Jamal. “But now they understand. They know how important vaccines are, especially in an environment where health risks are still high.” 

These services are part of a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and health partners, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In Idlib and Aleppo, more than 80 immunization centres and outreach teams are operating with collective support. As Syria enters a new phase of recovery, these locally led efforts mark an important step towards a more integrated and nationally supported health system.

The teams also monitor child growth during visits by measuring height, weight, and signs of malnutrition to ensure children not only receive vaccines but are also supported with broader primary health services. “There are fewer obstacles now,” says Hassan. “The care we receive is respectful and timely. And thanks to this effort, our children are safer, and our future feels a little more secure.”

Hasan, a father of seven, speaks with Jamal before his children receive routine vaccines. Photo: WHO

A mother holds her youngest child while waiting for routine vaccination in Khan Shaykhun. Photo: WHO

Majed stands beside his newborn baby as a health worker administers a routine vaccine as part of continued efforts to protect children from preventable diseases in conflict-affected areas. Photo: WHO20 July 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – At a clinic in Idlib, Majed gently rocks his newborn son after a routine vaccination. It’s a moment repeated every day across Syria but for parents like Majed, it carries a deeper meaning. “Our generation received vaccines, and we know how important they are,” he says. “That’s why we made sure to vaccinate our children from the start.” 

After more than 14 years of crisis, access to health services remains a challenge for many communities but efforts to strengthen and expand care are gaining ground. Families in rural or hard-to-reach areas often face long journeys to the nearest clinic. “In the cities, it’s easier,” Majed explains. “But many people in the smaller villages still struggle to get vaccines for their children. That’s why outreach matters so much.” 

Ahmad, a community mobilizer at the Abi Dhar Health Centre, supports vaccination efforts by guiding families and addressing concerns. Photo: WHOIn the face of these challenges, health workers across Syria are working tirelessly to ensure every child is protected. From fixed centres to mobile vaccination teams, services are being delivered where they’re needed most backed by dedicated staff, digital tools and strong community outreach.

Ahmad, a community mobilizer at the Abi Dhar Health Centre in Idlib, plays a key role in that effort. He helps track immunization schedules, raise awareness among families, and ensure no child is left behind. “We recently introduced an electronic registration system for children who receive vaccines,” he says. “Now we can track their next dose, follow up if they miss an appointment, and make sure they complete the schedule.” 

The system has already helped reduce dropouts and strengthened coordination between health teams and families. But Ahmad says that information and trust are just as important. “Some people still believe rumors that vaccines are harmful,” he explains. “So, we go house to house, talk to families, explain how vaccines protect their children. It takes time, but it’s working.”

Health workers at a vaccination centre in Idlib prepare for the day’s immunization efforts. Photo: WHOHealth workers also ensure the integrity of the cold chain, storing vaccines at the right temperature and checking them before use. “We take every step to make sure vaccines are safe,” says a senior nurse at the facility. “Parents are trusting us with their children’s health and we never take that lightly.”

While misinformation remains a concern, field teams report a growing shift in public perception. More parents now understand the benefits of vaccination and see it as a basic right. “Children can’t speak for themselves,” the nurse adds. “It’s up to us as health workers and parents to protect them.” 

Still, sustaining these gains is not easy. Many clinics continue to rely on external support for staffing, supplies, and transportation. In areas where health infrastructure remains limited, mobile teams are often the only option. As more families return and reconnect with essential services, continued investment and coordination remain critical to keep immunization going and to strengthen the health system for the future. 

Majed’s story and the stories of thousands of parents like him are a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, parents continue to show up for their children. And that behind every vaccine delivered is a network of health workers, logisticians and community leaders committed to building a healthier future. 

These services are part of a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and health partners, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In Idlib and Aleppo, more than 80 immunization centres and outreach teams are operating with collective support. As Syria enters a new phase of recovery, these locally led efforts mark an important step towards a more integrated and nationally supported health system.