PHC services provided at a WHO-supported medical point in Latakia26 April 2023, Damascus – In the early part of this year, southern Türkiye and northern Syria were struck by a series of devastating earthquakes that caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. In Syria alone, the earthquakes affected a staggering 4 million people. Out of this number, around 2 million were severely impacted, and more than 200,000 individuals were forced to leave their homes across Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartous governorates. According to the latest earthquake situation report by the World Health Organization , there is a continued and urgent need for assistance to help the affected communities in Syria.

Access and availability of medication for chronically ill patients remains a primary concern. Outreach screening for tuberculosis (TB) at shelters has identified 42 new confirmed TB cases, while the increase of leishmaniasis cases is also of concern. Rubble and debris, as well as interrupted sanitation services, promote the breeding of sandflies and increase the risk of infection among people residing in shelters or make-shift arrangements where exposure can occur.

Furthermore, mental health needs continue to increase, with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) remaining the most requested service. Hospitals in earthquake-affected areas are also reporting limited functionality due to a critical need for medical equipment and associated supplies and spare parts to enhance the capacity of operation theaters, intensive care units (ICUs), and diagnostics.

"The emergency health response continues to be led by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and in close coordination with the Directorate of Health (DoH) at governorate level. WHO remains committed to delivering essential health services and supplies to those affected by the earthquakes in Syria. Our emergency response is focused on key pillars such as leadership and coordination, continuity of essential health services, disease surveillance, and mental health support. WHO is working closely with our partners to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the care and resources they need," said Dr. Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative a.i to Syria.

Since the early hours following the first earthquake, WHO and its partners have made a significant impact on the ground in affected areas. Eighteen mobile medical teams (MMTs) have been deployed in Aleppo and Hama governorates, providing over 65,839 consultations and 850,528 treatments to people in need. The MMTs have covered 90 shelters and affected communities, ensuring that essential health services are accessible to those affected by the earthquake. WHO has also delivered essential medicines and supplies to 50 health facilities and public hospitals in earthquake-affected areas, with a total value of 3.61 million USD, sufficient to cover the needs of more than 340,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, WHO has continued to provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services through its support to health facilities in Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, and Rural Idleb, providing over 660,000 mental health services since the start of the response.

Despite the progress made so far, the ongoing needs of the affected populations cannot be overstated and the affected communities remain highly vulnerable to secondary effects, as well as any new emergency. We urge all concerned parties to provide the necessary support to the affected populations to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their communities. Together, we can make a difference and help those who need it most.

To support WHO’s response in Syria, please visit:
https://earthquakeresponse-turkiyesyria.who.foundation 

For the latest information on the earthquakes, please see:
Earthquake interactive dashboard

Damascus, Syria – On 7 April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates the 75th anniversary of its establishment, coinciding with the annual observance of World Health Day. This day highlights WHO’s unwavering commitment to improving global health and recognizes the invaluable contributions of health care workers who tirelessly provide essential health services to communities worldwide, even under challenging circumstances.

WHO Representative in Syria a.i. Dr Iman Shankiti and H.E. Minister of Health Dr Hassan al-Ghabbash visited a polyclinic in Damascus to mark the day and express their appreciation for the selfless efforts of health care professionals in Syria who have been delivering vital services to the Syrian people despite the protracted crisis. This visit serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that health workers play in ensuring that everyone has access to quality health care, particularly in times of hardship.

Access to health care is a fundamental human right that should be available to all individuals without any financial barriers. Despite ongoing conflicts, socioeconomic crises, insecurity, sanctions, disease outbreaks, the recent earthquakes, and lack of access to some areas, WHO in Syria is supporting the Ministry of Health to lead the health response. WHO is playing a crucial role in empowering and enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to provide essential health care and ensuring the provision of life-saving and life-sustaining services to the people of Syria.

“This year’s World Health Day theme, “Health for All”, highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to quality health services. WHO and the Ministry of Health are working closely together to move towards universal health coverage by adapting the health care system to be resilient, accessible, and of good quality. They are also working to protect people from emergencies by strengthening national and subnational preparedness and response, including for humanitarian response, outbreak response, and the International Health Regulations,” Dr Shankiti said.

On this World Health Day, WHO is calling on the international community to do more to achieve health for all in Syria and other countries affected by conflict and crisis. This means investing in health systems, ensuring access to essential medicines and vaccines, and supporting the mental health and well-being of affected populations.

Join us on this 7 April in celebrating World Health Day and WHO’s 75th anniversary by taking action to achieve health for all. Together, we can create a world where everyone can attain their full health potential.

4 April 2023  ̶  Thanks to humanitarian funding of the European Union, 15-year-old Mohammad is once again a successful student with a dream to make a difference in the world by becoming a doctor who provides healthcare to those who need it most.

Most parents find their teenage boys to be a handful. In Salamiyah, however, an ancient Syrian town in Hama governorate, one set of parents would beg to differ: their son Mohammed was a curious, active, 15-year-old, with a passion for learning, driving his engagement as a high school student. That is, until the family was blindsided by a sharp pain in Mohammad’s feet that made walking increasingly difficult until he was forced to leave school. Already struggling to make ends meet due to severe socio-economic decline, Mohammad’s parents were as devastated by his sudden illness as by their lack of resources to provide their son with the medical care he urgently needed.

Desperately trying to find help, Mohammad’s parents approached the WHO-supported Al Bir and Al Ihsan NGOs where doctors performed his necessary surgery. After months of physical therapy sessions, Mohammad made a full recovery and was finally able to return to school. With the full support and encouragement of his family and teachers, Mohammad managed to catch up and get his education back on track.

“The enduring crisis in Syria has given rise to a complex and protracted humanitarian emergency, characterized by an estimated 15.3 million people in dire need of critical medical assistance. The disrupted health system is incapable of sufficiently catering to their requirements, owing to extensive devastation, insufficient resources, and inadequate healthcare access,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative a.i. in Syria. “We are grateful for the EU’s generous contributions for 10 years now. They have made a vital difference in tackling acute health gaps and further scaling up WHO’s efforts to reach every person in need across the country,” Dr Shankiti added.

Over the last decade, the EU’s humanitarian support of more than EURO $ 63 million has played a crucial role in strengthening WHO’s response to the crisis in Syria, enabling the provision of life-saving and life-sustaining assistance to the most vulnerable population, and ensuring that essential health services are maintained in the country. EU humanitarian support has been instrumental in improving the health outcomes of countless individuals affected by the ongoing conflict, including the next generation of children like Mohammad.