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Paediatric care in Kurin offers families a lifeline
Four-month-old Walid Al-Ahmad smiles after receiving treatment at the Paediatric Clinic in Kurin Health Centre, Idlib. Photo credit: WHO27 August 2025, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic – Four-month-old Walid Al-Ahmad was struggling to breathe when his mother brought him to the Paediatric Clinic at Kurin Health Centre. He was coughing, feverish and would wheeze while breastfeeding.
“We provided nasal serum to clear his airways, gave nebuliser sessions and prescribed paracetamol to ease his fever and pain,” says Dr Khalid Al-Rashwani, who treated Walid. “We also explained to his mother how to care for him at home and avoid smoke and odours that could worsen his breathing.”
Thanks to this timely intervention, Walid recovered without needing hospital care. His story reflects the daily reality for families in rural Idlib where respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, malnutrition and skin conditions are among the most common illnesses children face. Earlier this year, when bronchiolitis cases rose sharply, the Paediatric Clinic was able to manage mild to moderate patients locally, referring the most severe to hospitals when beds were available.
Managed by the Syrian American Medical Society, the Clinic provides care to children from 10 surrounding villages. In a recent reporting period, more than 6400 children were treated. An average of 50 children are seen each day, many from families who cannot afford the high cost of private care or travel to distant hospitals.
“The clinic provides reliable paediatric services at no cost to families,” says Dr Khalid. “Without it, many would have no access to medical care for their children.”
Expanding access to care
Dr Khalid Al-Rashwani examines Walid Al-Ahmad at Kurin Health Centre in Idlib. Photo credit: WHOThrough the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), WHO supports 4 health facilities – including Kurin Health Centre – and 3 ambulances in Idlib and Aleppo. These services are critical in a country where just 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health care centres are fully functional and more than 15.8 million people need health assistance.
CERF support enables WHO and its partners to deliver medicines and emergency health kits to facilities across Syria. Nineteen mobile medical teams bring consultations, referrals and follow-up care to underserved areas from Aleppo to Deir-ez-Zor. Mental health and psychosocial support is being expanded through key referral hospitals such as Azaz and Ibn Khaldun, reaching people affected by displacement and trauma.
“WHO and CERF support has greatly eased the burden on families,” says Dr Khalid. “It allows us to provide free consultations and medicines and reduces the need for families to travel to central hospitals.”
Looking ahead
As Syria works towards a unified national health system and long-term recovery, ensuring health services continue without interruption is critical. For Walid, and for thousands of other children across Idlib, the Kurin Clinic brings the possibility of a healthier future closer to home.
On World Humanitarian Day, health workers in Syria carry hope forward
19 August 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – On World Humanitarian Day, we pause to honour those who, in times of crisis, step forward to help the millions whose lives hang in the balance. In Syria, where more than 14 years of conflict have left the health system fragile and overstretched, it is a responsibility health workers and communities carry every day.
So far this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 31 attacks on health care in Syria. Health facilities, ambulances, medical supplies and health workers have all been targeted. Five health workers have been killed while serving their communities. These are the conditions health workers face as they seek to support their communities.
“Every effort we make helps ensure no one is left behind.”
For Malak Alzghayer, a pharmacist working in a WHO warehouse, the job is about more than logistics.
“In the context of Syria, the need for medical and humanitarian aid is never ending. For me, work is not a job. It is a duty to preserve health and bring hope to those who need it most. Every effort we make helps ensure that vulnerable communities have access to health care services and that no one is left behind.”
Malak at WHO’s warehouse facility in Rural Damascus, ensuring medicines reach health partners across the region. Photo credit: WHO
In Aleppo, WHO sub–office head Dr Fares Kady remembers a night on which the university hospital had been attacked, and doctors could not reach their patients.
“In that moment, I felt powerless. But through coordination we found a way for a surgeon to travel in an ambulance. Minutes later, operations resumed, and lives were saved. I have witnessed how a single medicine, a vaccine, a piece of advice or even a phone call can change – and sometimes save – a life. That is why I remain convinced that our work is worth every effort and every sacrifice.”
Dr Fares Kady speaks with a surgical resident at Aleppo University Hospital as he checks on a child injured by unexploded ordnance. Photo credit: WHO
At Ehthimalat Health Centre in northern Aleppo, doctors and nurses are reminded each day of why their work matters. Recently, Dr Aisha Abdulwahab Al–Ali treated 7–year–old Fatima, who came in with a high fever and persistent cough.
“Every day we meet children like Fatima whose families cannot afford private clinics or to travel long distances for care. Being able to examine her, give the right treatment and see her start to recover is what keeps us going. Even in the hardest times, our role is to protect health and give families a sense of hope.”
Dr Aisha Abdulwahab Al–Ali examines young Fatima at Ehthimalat Health Centre, Aleppo. Photo credit: WHO
For Dr Khairiya Hijazi, a paediatrician working with WHO’s partner Ayadina NGO in Lattakia, it is about easing suffering even when resources are limited.
“The importance of this work – whether in war, earthquake or wildfire – is to provide health services that alleviate suffering while preserving dignity. Even if it’s something as simple as a follow–up check or medication, our goal is always to ease people’s pain.”
Dr Khairiya Hijazi examines a young boy during a consultation at a mobile health point in Lattakia, where she supports families with pediatric care. Photo: WHO
Abdul Muneem Mahmoud Al–Dibo, a supervising nurse at a hospital in Aleppo, describes how even routine checks can prevent greater harm.
“A patient came to us with a severe headache. When we measured his blood pressure, it turned out to be slightly high. I gave him advice on how to manage it. It may sound simple, but in difficult circumstances even basic follow–up and guidance can reassure people and protect them from future complications.”
Abdul Muneem consulting with patients at Ehthimalat Health Centre, Aleppo. Photo: WHO
Acting for humanity
The voices of Malak, Dr Fares, Dr Aisha, Dr Khairiya, and Abdul Muneem reflect a common truth: Syria’s humanitarian crisis is not over, but neither is the determination of its people.
One of the world’s largest humanitarian crises persists. More than 16.7 million people inside Syria need urgent humanitarian health support. Around 7.4 million remain displaced, while over 4.5 million Syrian refugees live in neighbouring countries. Many still hope to return home – a reminder that strengthening health services in potential areas of return is essential.
People are seeking peace, stability and national unity. A functioning and safe health system is not only about care – it is about social cohesion, dignity and resilience. As the Syria moves towards recovery, it stands at a fragile crossroad.
This year’s World Humanitarian Day calls on us to #ActForHumanity: to protect humanitarian workers and civilians, to uphold international humanitarian law and to sustain the lifelines communities depend on.
As Dr Fares says: “First, we are not the heroes. People may expect us to hold a magic stick, but the real heroes are the communities themselves – people who live under bombardment, displacement and shortages, yet still insist on helping each other and on rebuilding their lives. Second, our greatest capital is the trust of communities. That trust is earned only when we remain faithful to humanitarian principles and committed to the communities we serve – in every setting, even in the most difficult conditions.”
The Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO call for urgent support to mothers to protect child health during World Breastfeeding Week 2025
Breastfeeding: is an investment in Syria’s future
Damascus, 3 August 2025 – As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week, Syria faces a sobering reality: far too many children are missing out on the life-saving benefits of breastfeeding. Only 4 in 10 infants in Syria are exclusively breastfed during their first six months - a critical window for survival, growth, and brain development. Just 35 per cent continue breastfeeding until the recommended age of two.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week – “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future,” is a stark reminder of the critical role breastfeeding plays in protecting child health and development. As families across Syria face prolonged crisis, displacement, and economic hardship, breastfeeding provides a vital line of defence—boosting children’s immunity, supporting brain development, and protecting against malnutrition.
“The Ministry of Health is fully committed to strengthening national breastfeeding support systems—from health counselling to workplace protections,” said H.E. Dr. Musaab Alali, Minister of Health of the Syrian Arab Republic. “Investing in breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to protect the health of both mothers and children and build a healthier future for Syria.”
Malnutrition remains a serious concern in Syria. Nearly 1 in 4 children under five years of age are short for their age due to chronic undernutrition, and 5.8 per cent suffer from undernutrition (wasting), placing them at immediate risk of death without treatment. Breastfeeding can help prevent both conditions, ensuring children not only survive, but thrive.
“Breastfeeding saves lives. It is a child’s first vaccine—providing essential nutrients, antibodies and protection in the earliest and most vulnerable stage of life,” said Ms. Christina Bethke, WHO Acting Representative in Syria. “It is also a safeguard for mothers’ health. WHO is working with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and partners to strengthen the health system, train health workers, and raise awareness to ensure that every woman in Syria has the support and space to breastfeed safely.”
Yet too many mothers lack time, support, information, or a safe environment to breastfeed. Creating enabling conditions—at home, in workplaces, communities, and health facilities—is essential.
UNICEF and WHO jointly call for stronger, more sustainable breastfeeding support systems, including:
Urgent enactment of the revised Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes;
Paid maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces;
Protection from aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes;
Access to skilled breastfeeding counsellors and support in health facilities;
Greater peer and community support for mothers.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health to advance systems and create and enabling environment in support of breastfeeding mothers,” said Ms. Zeinab Adam, Deputy Representative, UNICEF in Syria. “When a mother is supported to breastfeed, an entire generation is given a better chance at life. This is not only an investment in a child’s future—but in Syria’s future.”
Breastfeeding is not just a personal choice—it is a public health priority and a shared responsibility. When mothers are supported at every level, they are far more likely to start and continue breastfeeding, giving their children the healthiest start in life.
For further information, please contact:
UNICEF:
Monique Awad, Chief Communication and Advocacy, email:
Hasan Burhan, Communication Officer, email:
WHO:
Mrinalini Santhanam, Communications Officer, email:
Halah Kabash, Communication Officer, email:
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
Follow UNICEF Syria on Linked-In, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and visit UNICEF Syria's website.
About WHO
WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.
Follow WHO Syria on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and visit WHO Syria's website.
Italy supports WHO with EUR 3 million to strengthen disease surveillance and health emergency response across Syria
A forklift loads life-saving medical supplies donated by the Italian Cooperation at a WHO-supported warehouse in Idlib. Photo: WHO31 July 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The Italian Cooperation has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance Syria’s capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent disease outbreaks through a new contribution of EUR 3 million.
The funding will enable WHO to strengthen disease surveillance systems, rehabilitate public health laboratories in Damascus and Dara’a, and support the digital transformation of health information systems. These efforts will help improve early detection of infectious diseases, enhance laboratory testing capacity, and accelerate emergency response to protect communities across the country.
“We are deeply grateful to Italy for this timely support,” said Acting WHO Representative in Syria, Christina Bethke. “As Syria moves towards recovery, strengthening disease surveillance and laboratory capacities is critical for early detection of health threats, rapid response, and preventing future outbreaks. This investment will not only save lives today but also build a stronger, more resilient health system for tomorrow.”
“Italy is pleased to announce this contribution as a reaffirmation of our unwavering support to the Syrian people,” said Andrea De Felip. “Investing in the health sector is vital to the recovery of the Country, and digitalization in particular is key to building a more sustainable and effective health system that will benefit the entire population. Health has long been a priority for our cooperation in Syria, and we hope these joint efforts will lead to tangible improvements, especially for the most vulnerable.”
“The Italian Cooperation has been supporting WHO’s efforts to increase access to basic health services in Syria for years,” added Alessandra Piermattei. “From COVID-19 to the cholera outbreak, we have helped rehabilitate essential laboratory infrastructure, train health personnel, and provided medical equipment. We are glad to keep contributing to strengthen prevention and surveillance capacities that are essential to Syria’s public health future.”
Over the next two years, WHO will work closely with the Ministry of Health to implement the project, which will also support the development of a digital health strategy and roll-out of electronic surveillance and laboratory data systems in Damascus and rural Damascus. The funding will help maintain rapid response teams, provide essential supplies for testing diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and meningitis, and train health workers in surveillance and laboratory procedures.
With over 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian health support in Syria, this partnership underscores the importance of investing in health emergency preparedness to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen resilience against future health crises.
Media contacts:
Halah Kabash,
Mrinalini Santhanam,
