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Strengthening national capacity to assess and address malnutrition across Syria
Dr Lina Wanli, Nutrition Programme Coordinator at Aleppo Health Directorate, explains the use of the SMART methodology during a national training workshop on malnutrition surveys. Photo credit: WHO
29 December 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – Without reliable data, malnutrition can remain hidden, delaying timely action for people most in need. With funding from the European Union (EU) through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, concluded a series of national workshops to strengthen Syria’s capacity to conduct a nationwide malnutrition survey, providing a critical evidence base to guide future nutrition responses.
Disruptions to health services during years of crisis have increased the risk of malnutrition across the country, particularly among children and women. Inadequate feeding practices, poor hygiene and repeated infections continue to drive malnutrition, underscoring the need for accurate, comparable data to inform targeted and effective interventions.
More than 80 participants from Aleppo, Idleb, Deir-ez-Zor, Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hassakeh took part in three five-day workshops focused on standard survey methodology, data entry procedures and the use of standardized tools. The trainings aimed to ensure consistent and high-quality data collection to support national planning and response efforts.
Khaled Najjar, Information Officer for Nutrition Sector at Save the Children, guides participants on accurate data collection and entry during the training. Photo credit: WHO
For health workers involved in implementation, the survey is a critical tool for follow-up and prevention. Nurse Malak Abras, Nutrition Focal Point in the Azaz area, highlighted its importance for strengthening services on the ground. “We hope that the survey will strengthen nutrition interventions to reduce malnutrition among children by enhancing nutrition services for children and women, as a first step towards a healthier generation,” she said.
At the institutional level, the workshops helped clarify roles and responsibilities while reinforcing national ownership of the process. Dr Lina Wanli, Nutrition Programme Coordinator at Aleppo Health Directorate, noted that participants were trained to apply a standardized approach to field surveys. “Participants were trained on the use of the SMART methodology to conduct field surveys, ensuring that the nutrition situation can be tracked over time and compared,” she said. “The survey will estimate the prevalence of acute, moderate and severe malnutrition, including among women of reproductive age, and assess families’ access to improved water and sanitation.”
Participants and trainers review standardized methodologies to be applied during the nationwide malnutrition survey. Photo credit: WHO
Partners supporting implementation emphasized the importance of accurate data for evidence-based decision-making. Khaled Najjar, Information Officer – Nutrition Sector at Save the Children, explained that the workshop guided participants through data collection, analysis and reporting. “The outcome of the workshop will be the development of a malnutrition response plan based on the indicators generated, with the survey serving as a guide for the Ministry of Health and international organizations to respond to and mitigate malnutrition,” he said
At the national level, the survey will play a key role in shaping targeted responses. Dr Najoud Soumini, Nutrition Coordinator at WHO , emphasized that accuracy in data collection is essential to inform planning and resource allocation. “The results will inform analysis and the development of response plans to address gaps in nutrition programmes and provide appropriate support,” she said. “The survey will also generate insights into breastfeeding practices and complementary feeding among families.”
Participants and trainers in one of the sessions, exploring new methodologies to be implemented while conducting the survey. Photo credit: WHO
WHO, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and with continued support from the EU, remains committed to strengthening Syria’s health system and supporting national efforts to address malnutrition. Through investments in capacity-building, essential health services and core health system functions, EU support contributes to improving health outcomes and enhancing resilience for communities across the country.
Standing with Syria through a year of transition
Dr Jaber Al-Omar examines a young patient at Ma’arrat An Nu’man public health centre that was rehabilitated and supported by WHO. Photo credit: WHO
28 December 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – When 72-year-old Ali Ibrahim from rural Tartous was told he urgently needed heart surgery, he feared the worst. Private care was far beyond his means and travelling long distances was not an option.
At Tartous National Hospital, Ali received the care he needed – care he believes saved his life.
“At first, I was afraid,” he said. “But the hospital took care of everything. The doctors checked on me constantly, gave me my medications and never let me feel alone. Without this care, I don’t know if I would still be alive.”
For many families in Tartous and surrounding rural areas, access to essential medical services is often a race against time. In 2025, support to Syria’s health system helped ensure that more people like Ali could reach safer care, closer to home.
Anesthesia machine provided by WHO at Latakia National Hospital, being used during surgery. Photo credit: WHO
A year of transition, supported by partnership
2025 brought promising signs of change. In some areas, access expanded. Communities began rebuilding daily life after years of crisis. Yet Syria’s health system remained under immense strain: as equipment aged and patient needs grew, health workers continued showing up through challenging conditions.
During this period of transition – from prolonged emergency response toward recovery — WHO worked alongside the Ministry of Health and health partners to sustain essential services, strengthen readiness and keep care within reach for communities across Syria.
At Tartous National Hospital, strengthened equipment helped improve diagnostics and surgical safety.
“We perform between 50 and 70 surgeries every day,” said Dr Ali Hussein, Head of the Anesthesia Unit. “Our older machines have served for many years but no longer met current safety standards. This new anesthesia machine has improved stability during operations and enhanced patient safety.”
In the cardiac surgery unit, Dr Mohammad Ali Ali, Head of the Cardiac Department, added that upgraded equipment has expanded capacity and strengthened emergency readiness, helping teams provide life-saving treatment when every minute counts.
Ali’s story is one moment in one hospital. But it reflects something broader.
Laboratory technician Abdel Salam Khalaf collects blood from a donor at Menbij National Hospital that was supported by WHO. Photo credit: WHO
Across Syria, donor support helped keep health systems functioning end to end – from disease surveillance and medical supply chains, to emergency response, referrals, immunization, essential services, and the gradual rehabilitation and strengthening of health facilities.
What that looked like in practice varied from place to place.
Abu Tarek shares a tender moment with his son inside their shelter after a routine vaccination was administered to his children. Photo credit: WHO
What support looked like on the ground
Across Syria, the impact of support was visible in the places where care meets daily life – clinics, camps, ambulances and hospital wards.
In a displacement camp in Afrin, Abu Tarek, a father of eight, watched vaccination teams return month after month – with predictable schedules and follow-up that helped rebuild trust.
“They inform the camp administration in advance,” he explained. “Announcements go out. If a child misses a dose, they follow up. They don’t leave anyone behind.”
Ambulances supported by WHO prepare to transfer patients with conflict-related injuries in Sweida. Photo credit: WHO
Across Aleppo, Idlib, Sweida and Lattakia, paramedics kept referral pathways moving — often across long distances and damaged roads, responding to emergencies where delays can be fatal. For families, these services also reduced the financial burden of care, replacing costly private transport with safe, timely transfers to the right facility.
“Even a single minute can mean the difference between life and death,” says Bashar Al Ali, a paramedic from rural Idlib. “Within seconds, we must be in the vehicle, preparing our equipment and rushing towards the patient.”
In dialysis centres across northern and central Syria, patients like Hassan, Abdulrazzaq and Ibrahim returned for treatment several times a week. Dialysis is not a service that can be paused while conditions improve.
“If dialysis stops, my life stops,” Hassan said.
For Abdulrazzaq, the difference was also dignity. “Before, I sometimes had to borrow money to buy filters and I would choose between provisions and treatment. Now, the hospital provides everything I need without cost at the point of care.”
And in the south and coastal areas, as displacement and emergency situations increased pressure on communities and health services, health workers and mobile teams worked to stay close to families, delivering consultations, maternal health care, essential medicines, oxygen support and preparedness for potential outbreaks.
Again and again, the pattern was the same: teams returned, services held and care continued.
With thanks to our partners
WHO extends its sincere appreciation to the partners whose support in 2025 helped sustain health services across Syria during a critical year:
- Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
- European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
- European Union (Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf)
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
- Gates Foundation
- The Global Fund (channeled through International Organization for Migration)
- Government of Greece
- Government of Italy
- Government of Japan
- Government of Norway
- Government of Germany
- Government of the Republic of Korea
- King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief)
- Novo Nordisk Foundation
- Qatar Charity
- UNITAID
UN-coordinated pooled funds:
- Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
- Syria Cross-border Humanitarian Fund (SCHF)
- Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF)
Looking ahead
As Syria continues its shift toward recovery, health remains both a foundation and a bridge – connecting emergency response to stability, resilience and hope.
WHO, together with partners and in coordination with the Ministry of Health, remains committed to supporting health services across Syria, helping ensure that every patient can access timely, safe and effective care close to home.
To all our partners, thank you for standing with Syria in 2025 and for helping keep care alive.
WHO welcomes NOK 10.2 million from Norway to strengthen Syria’s national health information system
WHO staff during a visit to Ma’arrat An Nu’man Primary Health Centre, where children and families are accessing services following the restoration of the facility. Photo credit: WHO
24 December 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes a NOK 10.2 million contribution from the Government of Norway to strengthen Syria’s national health information system and support the country’s transition toward a more integrated, reliable, and secure digital health platform.
The funding will enable WHO to work with the Ministry of Health to upgrade essential digital infrastructure, expand secure data storage, and improve connectivity for health teams. It will also support the development of a national framework to guide Syria’s shift toward a unified digital reporting system used across health programmes and levels of care. These investments will help improve the quality, timeliness, and use of health data across the country.
“The ability to collect and analyse accurate data is essential for planning services, responding to outbreaks, and ensuring people receive the care they need,” said Acting WHO Representative in Syria Christina Bethke. “Norway’s support comes at a critical moment, as Syria works to upgrade its health information architecture and build stronger, more resilient national systems.”
“This contribution also supports the Ministry of Health’s efforts to strengthen digital systems and improve how health information is used,” Christina added. “By helping Syria move towards a modernized, streamlined reporting platform, it will make it easier for health workers to monitor quality, respond to emergencies and ensure no one is left behind. It is a major step toward stronger surveillance and more efficient use of resources across the health system.”
“Norway is committed to supporting Syria and its people on their path toward reconstruction, reconciliation, inclusion, and peace. Our support to the Syrian Ministry of Health and WHO Syria reflects this commitment, with a shared vision of strengthening the health system. Norway is also proud of the DHIS2 framework – developed by the University of Oslo – as a model for health information management. As we mark one year of a new chapter for Syria, we take pride in our collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Syria and the transitional government as they undertake this vital work during a time of hope and renewal,” said Hilde Haraldstad, Ambassador, Embassy of Norway to Lebanon and Syria.
Under the agreement, WHO will procure and install key digital equipment for the Ministry of Health, including high-capacity servers, secure data-storage systems, and tools that improve internet connectivity. WHO will also establish a dedicated IT hub to support health programme teams with reliable workstations and uninterrupted internet for routine reporting.
The project will further strengthen national expertise. More than 100 Ministry of Health staff will receive training on digital infrastructure management, data security, and the unified reporting system that Syria aims to adopt. A national core team will also be formed to guide the future roll-out of this system and ensure long-term sustainability and future growth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mrinalini Santhanam
Halah Kabash,
A father’s commitment strengthens routine immunization in Syria
Abu Tarek’s youngest son sits on the floor of their shelter. Photo credit: WHO
21 December 2025, Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic – In a displacement camp in Afrin, Abu Tarek sits with his youngest son as the morning vaccination round begins. Since arriving at Khazan Camp five years ago, he has made one decision without hesitation: to keep every one of his eight children up to date on their routine vaccines.
“We were new here, but the vaccination team came to us,” he says. “They had a clear schedule. Once a month, they reached the camp, vaccinated the children, and left. May God bless them — they never stopped showing up.”
The national immunization programme, led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and health partners, continues to reach families in all parts of Syria. For communities living in camps, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) outreach teams ensure consistent access and follow-up.
Abu Tarek sits with his youngest son while one of his older children rests nearby. Photo credit: WHO
The teams’ coordination is clear and predictable.
“They inform the camp administration in advance,” Abu Tarek explains. “Announcements go out on loudspeakers and WhatsApp groups. If a child misses a dose, they follow up. They don’t leave anyone behind.”
But trust, he adds, was not always easy. “At one point, we stopped vaccinating,” he recalls. “Rumours spread. People were scared. I was scared.”
What changed his mind was a visit from the health workers themselves. “They explained — kindly and clearly — that the case we heard about had nothing to do with vaccines. They reminded us we were vaccinated as children too. So we returned. And I felt reassured.”
Abu Tarek speaks with a health worker during a vaccination session at the camp. Photo credit: WHO
Like many families across Syria, Abu Tarek’s choice is now informed by what he has seen. “I’ve seen children who weren’t vaccinated — paralysis, fever, suffering. No father wants that. Vaccines protect our children.”
These individual decisions mirror broader progress across the country. Throughout 2025, the Ministry of Health — with support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and health partners — carried out nationwide efforts to strengthen routine immunization. A Big Catch-Up and measles drive in October reached 1.7 million children under five and vaccinated more than 270,000 children in all areas of Syria. In November, around 428,000 children received their measles and rubella vaccines in Idlib, Aleppo, Raqqa and Tal Abyad. Earlier in the year, during World Immunization Week, WHO supported vaccination for 3.4 million children. Together, these actions help rebuild confidence in immunization and protect communities from preventable diseases.
Two of Abu Tarek’s children wait at the vaccination site inside the camp. Photo credit: WHO
At the heart of this work are health workers like Yasser, a vaccination nurse from the Ashrafieh EPI team who visits Khazan Camp each month. “Every vaccine we give protects a generation,” he says. “Parents worry sometimes, and that’s normal. So we explain everything — possible mild fever, soreness, and how to manage it. We answer every question with honesty. Vaccines are safe, effective and free.”
One of Abu Tarek’s daughters holds her younger brother close as Yasser administers a vaccine. Photo credit: WHO
When misinformation briefly halted vaccination in the camp, Yasser and his colleagues responded immediately. “It wasn’t true, but people stopped coming,” he says. “So we went tent to tent, explaining, listening. Slowly, families returned. Trust can always be rebuilt.”
Yasser reviews vaccination records during a routine immunization visit. Photo credit: WHO
“What makes me happiest,” Yasser adds, “is knowing we’re helping create a safe environment — for every child, every parent and the whole community. We’re not just giving vaccines; we’re giving reassurance.”
From Amal’s careful explanations to Abu Yassin’s steady walk to each appointment, Syria’s immunization progress is driven by the choices families make every day.
Abu Tarek shares a tender moment with his son inside their shelter. Photo credit: WHO
Before the team leaves each month, Abu Tarek shares one message with other parents in the camp: “Please support the teams when they come. They are here for your children — for their health and safety. No one wants to see a child suffer from something we could have prevented.”
