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Remarks by Christina Bethke, WHO Acting Representative to Syria at the UN Press Briefing in Geneva on Syria’s health transition gap
Tuesday, 4 November 2025 - I’m speaking to you from Damascus at a moment of fragile hope and rising risk. As Syria moves from emergency to recovery, a transition gap has opened where humanitarian funding declines before national systems can take over.
That gap is measured in missed care, not percentages.
Since mid-year, 417 health facilities have been hit by funding cuts, with 366 suspending or reducing services. 7.4 million people have already seen access to medicines and treatment shrink. In just two months this meant:
210,000 referrals that could not take place
122,000 trauma consultations that did not happen
13,700 births without a skilled attendant
89,000 mental health consultations that people could not reach.
Only 58% of hospitals and 23% of primary health-care centres are fully functional. Chronic shortages of medicines, power and equipment keep services fragile.
Despite the high level of government ownership and a prioritized 2-year national strategic plan for health, needs are rising. Drought, unsafe water and poor sanitation are fueling outbreaks of cholera, leishmaniasis, lice and scabies, while power shortages compromise cold-chains, water pumping and hospital operations. Nearly 3 million returnees are coming back to areas where medicines, staff and infrastructure are limited – adding pressure to already thin services.
There are immediate flashpoints. In the northeast, Hassakeh National Hospital – the only comprehensive public hospital for more than 300,000 people – faces the end of donor support in December. Risks to the ambulance and referral system, and to round-the-clock primary care in several camps, are also imminent.
We also received reports from partners this week that support to al-Kasrah General Hospital in Deir-ez-Zor has been suspended, forcing most departments to halt operations, with only dialysis and physiotherapy continuing – affecting over 700,000 people living in and around.
The funding picture is stark. The Health Sector requirement is about US$565.5 million, with roughly 20% received. WHO’s appeal for 2025 is US$141.5 million, with a US$77 million gap as of October. Without predictable, multi-year support, the health system could unravel just as recovery is within reach.
Our message is simple – bridge the transition gap, sustain essential services now so recovery financing can take hold, and prioritize services in areas of return so families who go home find a functioning clinic, not a locked door. Keeping health services alive today is the bridge to Syria’s recovery and stability tomorrow.
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.
