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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,
KSrelief and WHO hand over ambulances to the Ministry of Health to strengthen Syria’s emergency referral system
Five ambulances funded by KSrelief and delivered through WHO to the Ministry of Health in Damascus. Photo credit: WHO 20 January 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), today handed over a fleet of five fully equipped ambulances to the Ministry of Health, strengthening Syria’s emergency referral system and improving access to lifesaving care for people across the country.
The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health in Damascus, took place in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the Saudi delegation and WHO, and forms part of the WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy’s ongoing visit to Syria, underscoring WHO’s continued engagement with national authorities to support health system recovery and resilience.
The ambulances will be deployed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health to reinforce emergency response and referral pathways, enabling patients in critical condition to be transported safely and rapidly from primary health facilities to hospitals providing advanced and specialized care. Fully equipped to respond to trauma, medical emergencies and urgent referrals, the vehicles are expected to play a vital role in reducing delays in care and preventable deaths.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, stated, “We are pleased to partner with WHO in providing these ambulances to the Syrian Ministry of Health to support the country’s emergency referral system. All patients should have access to the advanced and specialized medical care they need, and KSrelief is committed to working with valued partners like WHO to improve health outcomes in Syria and around the world.”
Dr. Musaab Alali, the Minister of Health said, “Today marks an important step in strengthening the emergency response system through a close partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the World Health Organization, with the provision of five fully equipped ambulances. This support will reinforce the emergency referral system and enable the safe and rapid transport of critically ill and injured patients, improving preparedness and helping save lives. We highly appreciate this essential support and extend our sincere thanks to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and our international partners for their continued humanitarian commitment to protecting human life."
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, highlighted the importance of the partnership and the timing of the handover during the Regional Director’s visit. “Strengthening emergency referral systems is essential to saving lives and restoring trust in health services,” said Dr Hammerich. “This handover reflects the strong partnership between the Ministry of Health, KSrelief and WHO, and comes at a critical moment as we work together to support Syria’s health system recovery, improve emergency response, and ensure that people can access timely, quality care when they need it most.”
The collaboration between KSrelief, WHO and the Ministry of Health contributes to broader national efforts to strengthen health service delivery, enhance preparedness for emergencies, and reinforce Syrian institutions at a time of sustained humanitarian and health needs.
Media contacts
Halah Kabash,
Mrinalini Santhanam,
What care looked like in Syria 2025: Key moments in photos
30 December 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – In 2025, Syria’s health system continued to operate under sustained pressure, shaped by years of conflict, displacement, economic strain and recurring emergencies.
Working with the Ministry of Health and health partners, WHO focused on protecting access to essential health services during a fragile period of transition. This included sustaining primary health care and hospital services, supporting emergency response and referrals, maintaining vaccination and disease prevention, and ensuring the delivery of essential medicines and supplies.
Over the year, WHO support contributed to more than 720 000 outpatient consultations, 555 000 trauma consultations, and 228 000 mental health consultations, while ensuring the delivery of nearly 10 million treatment courses to health facilities nationwide. Disease surveillance remained active, with over four in five sentinel sites submitting regular reports, supporting early detection and response.
The photographs below reflect how this work unfolded across different communities and settings throughout Syria.
In 2026, WHO will continue working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen essential health services, support recovery and ensure more reliable access to care across Syria.
Key moments in photos
A quiet moment between Abu Yassin and his grandchild reflects the responsibility many families carry to protect their children’s health through timely vaccination.
At Al-Bairouni University Hospital in Damascus, 11-year-old Zahraa receives a routine check-up from a paediatric nurse during her ongoing treatment.
WHO staff visit the newly rehabilitated Ma’arrat An Nu’man Primary Health Centre, where children and families are accessing services following the restoration of the facility.
Vaccination officer Miriam Chehab comforts Yousra’s children after they receive their routine vaccines at Barzeh Al-Balad Health Centre in Damascus.
A baby receives routine vaccination at a health facility.
Medical supplies are reviewed upon arrival at Damascus airport before distribution to health facilities across the country.
Jameel, displaced from Homs and now living in Idlib, holds his son after ensuring all his children received their vaccines at Al-Burj camp.
Four-month-old Walid Al-Ahmad smiles after receiving treatment at the paediatric clinic at Kurin Health Centre, Idlib.
Dr Aisha Abdulwahab Al-Ali examines young Fatima at Ehthimalat Health Centre, Aleppo.
Lana sits safely in her father’s arms after recovering from meningitis in Aleppo.
Khaled Al-Hallaq announces the arrival of vaccination teams in a displacement camp.
Ali carries his eight-year-old son Abdelkarim through the crowded corridor of Menbij National Hospital after the boy received urgent care for a fracture.
