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Syria strengthens governance and leadership in health professions education
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.
Patients in Latakia gain faster, safer treatment with new hospital equipment
28 January 2026, Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic - Each morning in the eastern countryside of Latakia, Al-Haffeh Hospital comes alive as patients from nearby villages queue outside for care they can afford nowhere else. Serving more than 180 villages, the hospital treats hundreds of people each day — many travelling long distances for urgent care.
Dr Essam Gomira, General Director of Al-Haffeh Hospital, explains how the new operating table is improving surgical care. Photo credit: WHO
With support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), Al-Haffeh Hospital recently received new medical equipment — including a state-of-the-art operating table, an advanced anaesthesia machine, and an X-ray device. The upgrade has strengthened the hospital’s capacity to provide safe surgeries and essential diagnostics.
“Before this support, our old machines were outdated and often broke down,” says Dr Essam Gomira, General Director of Al-Haffeh Hospital. “This equipment has helped bridge critical gaps and strengthened our capacity to serve those most in need.”
The new support from KSrelief is helping hospitals like Al-Haffeh overcome long-standing shortages, improving access to essential diagnostics and surgical care for communities in rural Latakia. To date, KSrelief has supported hospitals across Syria with more than 130 pieces of essential medical equipment – ranging from tools for surgery and diagnostics to devices used in intensive care and dialysis. This support is helping facilities overcome long-standing shortages and maintain critical health services in governorates facing high demand.
Dr Abdullah Haydar, Head of the Radiology Department at Al-Haffeh Hospital, stands beside the new X-ray machine provided through KSrelief support. Photo credit: WHO
For Dr Abdullah Haydar, head of the radiology department, the new X-ray machine has been transformative. “Previously, we had to send many patients to Latakia city for imaging. Now, we can diagnose and treat them immediately. It has made a huge difference for families who cannot travel for care.”
A patient undergoing an X-ray at Al-Haffeh Hospital using the new imaging machine provided through KSrelief support. Photo credit: WHO
Christina, a 21-year-old student, injured her wrist in a fall and came to the hospital for urgent treatment. “I was in so much pain, and I didn’t know where to go,” she recalls. “The doctors took X-rays and performed surgery immediately. The treatment was free and fast. Without this hospital and this new equipment, my injury could have been much worse.”
Christina, a 21-year-old student, receives medical care at Al-Haffeh Hospital after being injured in a fall. Photo credit: WHO
At Al-Haffeh Hospital, these upgrades are felt every day. Surgeons have reliable equipment, radiology teams can complete imaging on site, and emergency cases are managed more safely. For many families in rural Latakia, this means receiving the care they need without travelling far from home.
Syria advances a nationally led public health response to substance use through inter-ministerial action
27 January 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic: Syria is taking a significant step forward in addressing substance use as a public health priority, following a high-level inter-ministerial meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and chaired by Dr Musaab Alali, Minister of Health, convened in Damascus with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Senior representatives from the Ministries of Health, Interior, Social Affairs and Labour, and Foreign Affairs, together with WHO and UNODC, following the inter-ministerial meeting in Damascus on advancing a nationally led, public health approach to substance use in Syria. Photo: WHO
The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministries of Health, Interior, Social Affairs and Labour, and Foreign Affairs, reflecting growing momentum for a whole-of-government approach to substance use. Discussions focused on how ministries connect in practice, from prevention and community engagement to health services, referral pathways, workforce capacity, data and monitoring, and coordination, under a shared national framework led by Syrian institutions.
At the centre of the dialogue was Syria’s National Strategy on Substance Use (2026–2030), which provides a unified framework for action across four pillars: governance and policy; health services and treatment; prevention and harm reduction; and information, monitoring and research. The strategy positions substance use first and foremost as a public health and social issue, while enabling collaboration across sectors in ways that protect dignity and human rights.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hussein Al-Khatib described substance use as one of the country’s most sensitive health and social challenges, stressing that effective responses require long-term, coordinated solutions rather than fragmented interventions. He was speaking at a joint WHO-UNODC-Ministry of Health press conference, held at the Ministry’s premises at the end of the inter-ministerial roundtable.
The inter-ministerial exchange emphasized the importance of clear governance, shared accountability and phased implementation, with early priorities including integration into primary health care, strengthening the health workforce, improving referral and follow-up, expanding prevention and community-based engagement, and reinforcing data and monitoring systems to guide policy and delivery.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, who participated in the meeting as part of a joint WHO-UNODC mission to Syria, highlighted that substance use is not solely a law enforcement issue, but a public health challenge with wide-reaching consequences.
“Addressing substance use requires coordinated public health action grounded in prevention, treatment and care delivered with dignity and without stigma,” Dr Balkhy said. “Syria’s national strategy provides a strong foundation for translating policy into services people can access.”
UNODC Regional Representative Ms Cristina Albertin emphasized the importance of sustained, evidence-based and multisectoral action rooted in national leadership.
“Syria’s nationally led roadmap provides a solid foundation for coordinated action,” Ms Albertin said. “Addressing substance use requires integrated solutions that tackle both demand and supply, while placing the health and welfare of people at the centre. UNODC remains committed to supporting sustainable, long-term responses that strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community-based services, in line with human rights.”
WHO, UNODC, the Ministry of Health, health officials, partners and health workers stand together inside the Darayya health centre during the opening of the “Wellbeing Gateway” (بوابة التعافي) clinic. Photo: WHO
The inter-ministerial meeting took place alongside concrete progress on the ground. On 20 January, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with WHO, inaugurated the Darayya “Wellbeing Gateway” (بوابة التعافي) at Darayya Health Centre. The clinic brings substance use services into primary health care, offering screening, psychosocial support, referral and follow-up in a non-stigmatizing, community-based setting.
Darayya is one of uch clinics being established across Syria under Ministry of Health leadership and aligned with the national strategy, reflecting a shift toward early access, continuity of care and services that feel safe and accessible to communities.
Together, the national strategy, inter-ministerial coordination and expansion of integrated services signal growing momentum for a Syrian-led, public-health-driven response to substance use that protects health and dignity and supports practical implementation across government.
Japan, UNOPS, WHO, Syrian Ministry of Health inaugurated the rehabilitated and equipped Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital
21 January 2026, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic – Today, representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Embassy of Japan to Syria, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) inaugurated the recently rehabilitated and equipped Kidney Building in Homs Grand Hospital.
H.E. Dr. Musab Al-Ali, Minister of Health, checking on a patient during the official inauguration of the Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital. Photo credit: WHO
With over US$9.67 million contribution from the Government of Japan, UNOPS has rehabilitated the three-storey Kidney Building and installed a specialized incinerator for decentralized, safe, and environmentally friendly treatment of medical waste, which will serve the hospital and eight surrounding health facilities in Homs. Complementing these efforts, WHO has installed advanced medical technologies to strengthen specialised care at the hospital.
Akihiro Tsuji, Japan’s Charge d’Affaires and Special Coordinator for Syria, said: ‘After years of conflict, Syria’s health system has faced immense challenges. Hospitals and medical infrastructure have been damaged, equipment has deteriorated, and access to essential health services has been severely constrained. In this context, restoring and strengthening health facilities is not only a humanitarian necessity, but also a vital foundation for early recovery and long-term stability.” “I would like to commend UNOPS for its expertise in infrastructure rehabilitation and project management, and WHO for its leadership in strengthening health systems and ensuring that medical services meet international standards. Their complementary roles have been critical to the success of this project.” he added.
Mr. Akihiro Tsuji, Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires and Special Coordinator for Syria, giving a speech during the official inauguration of the Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital. Photo credit: WHO
Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, said: "Building on our long-standing partnership with the Government of Japan, UNOPS collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization to strengthen access to critical and much needed healthcare services for the Syrians. The newly rehabilitated and equipped building will not only contribute to restoring essential health services, but also build a safer and more environmentally sustainable system for managing medical waste."
Dr. Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, said: “This project demonstrates what strong collaboration can deliver. Working closely with the Ministry of Health and UNOPS, and with the generous support of the Government of Japan, WHO has helped equip a critical facility for specialised kidney care in Homs. By strengthening diagnostics, dialysis and infection prevention services, we are improving access to safe, quality care for people with complex health needs, while supporting the recovery and resilience of Syria’s health system.”
Dr. Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, next to the new CT scan machine provided with WHO support. Photo credit: WHO
The medical equipment provided by WHO 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 have been set up to improve patient safety and infection control.
The fully operational Kidney Building now provides 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,
